Effect of Corynebacterium acnes on interferon production in mice.

Exposure to Corynebacterium acnes, the most prominent member of our normal skin flora, produces stimulation of lymphoid tissue and certain reticuloendothelial system functions, as well as the immune response. Alteration of the host response is extended by these studies to include changes in the pattern of interferon production in response to a representative group of inducing agents. Serum interferon levels induced by the injection of endotoxin in mice are enhanced, whereas interferon production after injection of Newcastle disease virus, Chikungunya virus, and polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid is depressed in animals inoculated with viable or nonviable C. acnes organisms.