Protective effects of recombinant human tumour necrosis factor α and interferon γ against surgically simulated wound infection in mice

Abstract

Tumour necrosis factor alpha and interferon gamma have both been shown to have immunoregulatory properties, and to be able to influence, several microbial infections. This study showed that tumour necrosis factor was effective in modifying surgically simulated wound infections when administered both as prophylaxis and as therapy. Two models were used; one was an intramuscular bacterial challenge, and the other involved the use of a bacteria-laden thigh suture. The test bacterium for both models was Klebsiella pneumoniae, a common surgical pathogen in our surgical service. Interferon gamma was an effective biological response modifier in these models. Tumour necrosis factor was more potent than interferon gamma and there was no additive or synergistic effect with interferon gamma. This indicates potentially different mechanisms of action for these two cytokines.