We examined the role of IFN gamma in protection against Toxoplasma gondii in the monocytoid cell line THP1. The addition of IFN gamma to cultured infected THP1 cells reduced the number of parasitized cells without altering intracellular multiplication during the first 24 hr. This reduction was potentiated by bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We also examined the role of an enzyme important for T. gondii cellular invasion, secretory phospholipase-A2 (sPLA2) and its relation with IFN gamma-induced protection. Treatment of cells or parasites with a specific inhibitor of sPLA2 significantly reduced the number of infected cells at 6 hr. The addition of exogenous sPLA2 from Naja naja venom did not interfere with the protective effect of IFN gamma and conferred protection when used alone. PLA2 activity was measured in supernatants of parasites maintained in the presence of IFN gamma, and the results suggested that IFN gamma opposes cell invasion by T. gondii by suppressing parasite production of PLA2.