Nitric oxide participates in the immune response against Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B

The present report explores the role of nitric oxide into the immune response against Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B. Here we show that NO mediates the alphaTNF increase induced by N. meningitidis derived lipopolysaccharides (LPS), at the same time that participates in the bactericidal activity of resting or gammaIFN activated macrophages and plays a role in the specific DTH and IgG response induced by a commercial anti-meningococcal vaccine. Our findings suggest a positive role for NO at the final effector mechanisms and in the early events driving the immunity against N. meningitidis, suggesting also an insight into its role in endotoxic shock.