Induction of TNF-alfa and CXCL-2 mRNAs in different organs of mice infected with pathogenic Leptospira

► Innate immune response in leptospirosis in susceptible or resistant mice strains. ► Expression of TNF-a and CXCL2/MIP-2 occurs in early stages of Leptospira infection. ► The expression of the cytokines is dependent on the organ and time after infection. ► Control of bacterial load correlates with integrity of the innate immune system. ► Susceptible mice C3H/HeJ (TLR4-) present more tissue damage than parental strain.