Listeria monocytogenes (delta-actA mutant) infection in tumor necrosis factor receptor p55-deficient neonatal mice

Using TNF receptor 1 knock out (TNFR1KO) mice, we investigated the role played by TNFR1 in immune regulation during neonatal listeriosis. Induction of protective immune response in wild type pups resulted in the prompt control of infection with an attenuated ∆actA mutant Listeria monocytogenes, accompanied by enhanced hepatic expression of mRNA for IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-10. Conversely, the lack of TNFR1 signalling in TNFR1KO neonatal mice resulted in substantial changes in the profile of inflammatory mediators and ultimately fatal outcome of the infected pups. Despite remarkable increase in indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase (IDO) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA detected in the liver of TNFR1KO mice, bacterial proliferation was unrestrained. Increased mRNA expression of IDO, iNOS, TNF-α, IFN-γ, MCP-1, and MIP-1α was found in the spleens of infected KO mice, and in the brains mRNA encoding iNOS, IDO, IFN-γ, IL-12p40, IL-10, and RANTES was also upregulated. Large necrotic lesions consisting of granulocytes and macrophages were scattered throughout the liver of these mice. TNFR1KO neonates were unable to clear neutrophils and switch from the innate immune response to a specific reaction mediated by T cells. These results prove that TNF-α signalling is crucial and irreplaceable in antilisterial protection during the neonatal period.