Transfer of specific antibodies results in increased expression of TNF-alpha and IL12 and recruitment of neutrophils to the site of a cutaneous Francisella tularensis infection.

This study demonstrates that passive transfer of Francisella tularensis-specific antibodies before experimental cutaneous infection with the live vaccine strain of F. tularensis has profound effects. Recipient mice showed stronger staining for TNF-alpha and IL12, and larger numbers of neutrophils in skin samples after infection than control mice.