IFN-τ Displays Anti-Inflammatory Effects on Staphylococcus aureus Endometritis via Inhibiting the Activation of the NF-κB and MAPK Pathways in Mice

The aim of the present study was to determine the anti-inflammatory effect of IFN-tau on endometritis using a mouse model of S. aureus-induced endometritis and to elucidate the mechanism of action underlying these effects. In the present study, the effect of IFN-tau on S. aureus growth was monitored by turbidimeter at 600 nm. IFN-tau did not affect S. aureus growth. The histopathological changes indicated that IFN-tau had a protective effect on uterus tissues with S. aureus infection. The ELISA and qPCR results showed the production of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha IL-1 beta and IL-6 was decreased with IFN-tau treatment. In contrast, the level of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was increased. We further studied the signaling pathway associated with these observations, and the qPCR results showed that the expression of TLR2 was repressed by IFN-tau Furthermore, the western blotting results showed the phosphorylation of I kappa B, NF-kappa B p65, and MAPKs (p38, JNK, and ERK) was inhibited by IFN-tau treatment. The results suggested that IFN-tau may be a potential drug for the treatment of uterine infection due to S. aureus or other infectious inflammatory diseases.