Innate immunity in defense against Chlamydia trachomatis infections

Innate immunity is of key importance in primary recognition of invading pathogens. Infected epithelial cells respond in similar, but not identical ways to different invading pathogens and the pathogens are capable of modifying the host cell response. Chlamydia trachomatis is a major cause of preventable blindness in underdeveloped countries and of sexually transmitted infections with sequelae such as infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, and extrauterine gravidity throughout the world. Limited knowledge about molecular mediators and effectors, immunocompetent cells, and host response in chlamydial mucosal infections will be described. Recent findings of a differential response to invasive and noninvasive chlamydial infections are highlighted.