Characterization and Partial Purification of a Macrophage‐Stimulating Factor from <i>Mycoplasma hominis</i>

Abstract

These experiments suggest that the MSA of M. hominis is due to a lipophillic factor that interacts with TLR-2 rather than TLR-4 (as does lipopolysaccharide), to increase tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha by macrophages. It is known that TNF-alpha can cause preterm labor and intrauterine fetal death and that it is upregulated in amniotic fluid samples infected with M. hominis.