The use of recombinant ovine IL-1β and TNF-α as natural adjuvants and their physiological effects in vivo

Abstract

In the present study we have investigated the use of recombinant ovine IL-1β and TNF-α both alone and in combination, as natural adjuvants in vaccination trials in sheep. Initial experiments were conducted to investigate the physiological effects of the cytokines in vivo and determine what dose could be administered without adverse pyrogenic effects. Even at the maximum dose tested (100 μg) the only significant physiological effect was a transient increase in body temperature of approximately 2°C in sheep injected with TNF-α. Administration of either cytokine had profound effects on the levels of circulating leucocytes for up to 5 days postinjection. The incorporation of either IL-1β or TNF-..