Anti-inflammatory activity of caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine) after experimental challenge with virulent Listeria monocytogenes in Swiss mice.

Background: Immunomodulatory therapies are claimed to enhance antimicrobial immunity and counterbalance antimicrobial resistance mechanisms of pathogenic bacteria.

Purpose: To investigate whether caffeine can be useful for control of inflammation derived from experimental systemic infection with Listeria monocytogenes.

Methods: Peritoneal macrophages (pMØ) from Swiss mice were cultured with caffeine in 96-well plates, and then infected with virulent L.