Valproic acid inhibits interferon-γ production by NK cells and increases susceptibility to Listeria monocytogenes infection.

ABSTRACT: Valproic acid (VPA) is a drug commonly used for epileptic seizure control. Recently, it has been shown that VPA alters the activation of several immune cells, including Natural Killer (NK) cells, which play an important role in the containment of viruses and intracellular bacteria. Although VPA can increase susceptibility to extracellular pathogens, it is unknown whether the suppressor effect of VPA could affect the course of intracellular bacterial infection. This study aimed to evaluate the role of VPA during Listeria monocytogenes (L.m) infection, and whether NK cell activation was affected. We found that VPA significantly augmented mortality in L.m infected mice. This effect was associated with increased bacterial load in the spleen, liver, and blood. Concurrently, decreased levels of

SUBMITTER: Soria-Castro R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7576816 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature