Recombinant human interleukin 1 alpha enhances anti-Listeria resistance in both genetically resistant and susceptible strains of mice.

In this study we show that recombinant human IL-1 alpha (rhIL-1 alpha) protects both genetically resistant and susceptible strains of mice against Listeria monocytogenes infection. Similar levels of protection were observed in all strains tested. These data suggest that innate susceptibility to an infectious agent may not abrogate the ability of rhIL-1 alpha to enhance antibacterial resistance.