Characterization of Cytokine Responses During Pneumocystis carinii Pneumonia

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Abstract

Pneumocystis carinii is a major pathogen of patients with HIV infection. The immune responses to P. carinii are poorly understood, but cytokines may play a role in both clearing P. carinii infection and in the hypoxia associated with P. carinii pneumonia that may be exacerbated following initiation of therapy. We are using the scid mouse model, as well as other immunodeficient mice, to further evaluate the role of individual cytokines and other immunoregulatory molecules in modulating P. carinii infection. We are in the process of developing techniques that will allow assessment of which cytokines are produced in response to P. carinii antigens. It is hoped that these studies will provide insights into the role of cytokines in P. carinii pneumonia, and may provide mechanisms for increasing clearance of P. carinii or decreasing the inflammation that may be causing hypoxia.