Francisella tularensis selectively induces proinflammatory changes in endothelial cells.

Naturally acquired infections with Francisella tularensis, the bacterial agent of tularemia, occur infrequently in humans. However, the high infectivity and lethality of the organism in humans raise concerns that it might be exploited as a weapon of bioterrorism. Despite this potential for illicit use, the pathogenesis of tularemia is not well understood.

Interleukin-10 inhibits proinflammatory activation of endothelium in response to Borrelia burgdorferi or lipopolysaccharide but not interleukin-1beta or tumor necrosis factor alpha.

Interleukin (IL)-10 is generally regarded as an anti-inflammatory cytokine, since it acts on a variety of cell types to suppress production of proinflammatory mediators. In inflammation, endothelial cells (EC) play a crucial role in recruiting leukocytes to sites of injury or infection. In this study, the actions of IL-10 on human umbilical vein EC were investigated.