Interference between host resistance to Listeria monocytogenes infection and ovalbumin-induced allergic responses in mice

Listeria monocytogenes promotes the induction of the T-helper 1 (Th1) cell response, while ovalbumin (OVA) induces a Th2 cell response and allergic re actions, such as airway hyperreactivity and immunoglobulin E (IgE) producti on. When mice were immunized with OVA on day 7 after L. monocytogenes infec tion, eosinophilia in bronchoalveolar lavage and the production of total Ig E, OVA-specific IgE, interleukin-it (IL-4), and IL-5 in the circulation wer e markedly suppressed. Cytokine responses, including IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL- 13, and gamma interferon, to OVA were decreased in the spleen cell cultures obtained from OVA-immunized mice that had been infected with L. monocytoge nes. Conversely, when OVA-immunized mice were infected with L. monocytogene s, conversion from the nonlethal infection to the lethal infection occurred . Host resistance to L. monocytogenes infection in OVA-immunized mice was e nhanced by the administration of anti-IL-10 monoclonal antibody. The presen t study indicates that striking interference is observed between Th1-induci ng L. monocytogenes infection and Th2-driven OVA-induced airway hyperreacti vity.