THE EFFECT OF INTERLUKIN-12 ON PROTECTIVE IMMUNITY TO PNEUMOCYSTIS CARINII

Objective: To explore the effect of interlukin - 12 (IL- 12) on protective immunity to Pneumocystis carinii. Methods: The rats were immunized by the major surface glycoprotein (MSG) of Pneumocystis carinii combined with IL - 12 as an adjuvant. Results: IL - 12 and MSG induced a Thl response, inhibited the Th2 response, and intensified the NK cytotoxcity. Conclusion: These results indicate that IL - 12 has positive effect on protective immunity to Pneumocystis carinii.