Evaluation of Th1 and TH2 Cytokine Network in Aspergilus Infected Tumor Bearing Mice

Background & Objective: Invasive Aspergillosis is a fatal infection in immunocompromised patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the interaction of infectious with Aspergillus and tumor on immune response and cytokine network in Aspergillus infected tumor-bearing mice. Materials and Methods: Mice were implanted by sterile pieces of mouse mammary tumor and then infected by Aspergillus conidia by IV injection. Control groups mice were infected with Aspergillus conidia and/or implanted by sterile funga pieces of mouse mammary tumor. Seven days after Aspergillus infection, cytokine production of extracted splenocytes was analyzed by ELISA method. Results: Tumor bearing mice which were infected with Aspergillus conidia showed remarkable increase in IL-4 production. Conversely, the levels of IFN-γ and IL-10 were decreased and TNF-α was increased moderately. Conclution: Probably, Aspergillus infection could change cytokine production from CD4+ T helper cells and acquired immunity of tumor bearing mice. This point may be considered for better management of Aspergillus-infected patients suffering from cancer.