Journal article
Pathogenicity and virulence of Chlamydia trachomatis : Insights into host interactions, immune evasion, and intracellular survival
Virulence, Vol.16(1), 2503423
05/12/2025
DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2025.2503423
PMCID: PMC12090877
PMID: 40353442
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis is an obligate intracellular pathogen and the leading cause of bacterial sexually transmitted infections and infectious blindness worldwide. All Chlamydia species share a unique biphasic developmental cycle, alternating between infectious elementary bodies (EBs) and replicative reticulate bodies (RBs). The pathogenesis of C. trachomatis is driven by a sophisticated arsenal of adhesins, conventional type III secretion system effector proteins, and inclusion membrane proteins that subvert host cellular processes to establish infection and promote survival. In this review, we highlight the molecular mechanisms underlying C. trachomatis infection, focusing on key stages of its developmental cycle, including adhesion, invasion, replication, and egress. We delve into its interactions with host cytoskeletal structures, immune signaling pathways, and intracellular trafficking systems, as well as its strategies for immune evasion and persistence. Understanding these mechanisms offers critical insights into C. trachomatis pathogenesis and identifies promising avenues for therapeutic and vaccine development.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Pathogenicity and virulence of Chlamydia trachomatis : Insights into host interactions, immune evasion, and intracellular survival
- Creators
- Alix McCullough - University of IowaSteven Huang - University of IowaMary M Weber - Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Virulence, Vol.16(1), 2503423
- DOI
- 10.1080/21505594.2025.2503423
- PMID
- 40353442
- PMCID
- PMC12090877
- NLM abbreviation
- Virulence
- ISSN
- 2150-5594
- eISSN
- 2150-5608
- Publisher
- Taylor & Francis
- Grant note
- NIH: R01 AI150812, R01 AI155434, R61 AI179999, AM T32 AI007511 University of Iowa Stead Family Scholars
We acknowledge grant support from the NIH [M.M.W., R01 AI150812, R01 AI155434, and R61 AI179999; AM T32 AI007511] and the University of Iowa Stead Family Scholars to M.M.W.
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 05/12/2025
- Academic Unit
- Molecular Physiology and Biophysics; Microbiology and Immunology
- Record Identifier
- 9984822966402771
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