Immunization with the <i>FTL_0325</i> mutant induces a higher pro-inflammatory cytokine response in the spleen.

Abstract

<p>BALB/c mice (n = 4) were infected with 1×10⁷ CFU of the indicated mutants and wild type <i>F. tularensis</i> LVS. At the indicated times, the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were measured in spleen homogenates using a Cytometric Bead Array assay. The data are representative of two independent experiments conducted and were analyzed using ANOVA with Tukey-Kramer Multiple Comparison post-test and <i>P</i> values were recorded. *<i>P<</i>0.05<i>; **P</i><0.01; ***<i>P<</i>0.001. Ψ = Mice infected with 1×10⁷ CFU of <i>F. tularensis</i> LVS succumbed to infection by day 7 PI and hence were unavailable for comparison.</p