Comparison of the growth inhibitory effects of canine IFN-α, -β and -γ on canine cells infected with Neospora caninum tachyzoites

The growth inhibitory effects of recombinant canine interferon alpha (IFN-alpha), beta IFN-beta) and gamma (IFN-gamma) were examined on Madin-Darby canine kidney cells infected with Neospora caninum tachyzoites. The parasite growth was inhibited hy all IFNs in a dose-dependent manner. IFN-gamma inhibited the parasite growth with greater efficacy than IFN-alpha or IFN-beta. Moreover, the effect of IFNs on N, caninum growth associated with the suppression of the host cell viability. The present study indicates IFN-alpha and -beta, besides IFN-gamma play a crucial role for N. caninum growth in host cells.