Cloning of Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) cytokine cDNAs and analysis of cytokine mRNA expression in experimental visceral leishmaniasis.

ABSTRACT: The Syrian golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) is uniquely susceptible to a variety of intracellular pathogens and is an excellent model for a number of human infectious diseases. The molecular basis for this high level of susceptibility is unknown, and immunological studies related to this model have been limited by the lack of available reagents. In this report we describe the cloning and sequence analysis of portions of the Syrian hamster interleukin 2 (IL-2), IL-4, gamma interferon (IFN-gamma), tumor necrosis factor alpha, IL-10, IL-12p40, and transforming growth factor beta cDNAs. In addition, we examined the cytokine response to infection with the intracellular protozoan Leishmania donovani in this animal model. Sequence analysis of the hamster cytokines revealed 69 to 93% homology

SUBMITTER: Melby PC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC108174 | biostudies-literature | 1998 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature