The aim of this study was to investigate the role of IL-18, a member of the IL-1 family, in group B Streptococcus (GBS) infection. Both in a neonatal and adult model of GBS infection, IL-18-deficient animals were significantly more susceptible to infection than WT animals. The lack of IL18 was associated with a marked reduction in IFN-γ-levels after bacterial stimulation but did not play a significant role in the recruitment of PMN to sites of GBS infection. Collectively, our data document a fundamental function of IL-18 signaling in boosting the host immune responses against GBS infection.

中文翻译：

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IL-18 在宿主防御 B 组链球菌中的保护作用

本研究的目的是调查 IL-18（IL-1 家族的成员）在 B 组链球菌(GBS) 感染中的作用。在 GBS 感染的新生儿和成人模型中，IL-18 缺陷动物明显比 WT 动物更容易受到感染。IL18 的缺乏与细菌刺激后 IFN-γ 水平的显着降低有关，但在将 PMN 募集到 GBS 感染部位方面没有发挥重要作用。总的来说，我们的数据记录了 IL-18 信号在增强宿主对 GBS 感染的免疫反应方面的基本功能。