Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 30, 2026

Legionella pneumophila Outer Membrane Vesicles: Isolation and Analysis of Their Pro-inflammatory Potential on Macrophages
08:34

Legionella pneumophila Outer Membrane Vesicles: Isolation and Analysis of Their Pro-inflammatory Potential on Macrophages

Published on: February 22, 2017

Induction of proinflammatory cytokines in human osteoblastic cells by Chlamydia pneumoniae

Antonietta Rizzo1, Marina Di Domenico, Caterina Romano Carratelli

  • 1Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery-Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy.

Cytokine
|August 2, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Chlamydia pneumoniae infects human osteoblasts, triggering an inflammatory response. Controlling specific cytokines like IL-23 may prevent inflammatory bone diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Chlamydia pneumoniae is an intracellular bacterium linked to chronic inflammation and diseases.
  • Its role in bone health and osteoblast interaction is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if Chlamydia pneumoniae can infect and survive in human osteoblasts.
  • To determine if this infection stimulates the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Main Methods:

  • Infection of SaOS-2 osteoblastic cell line with Chlamydia pneumoniae.
  • Time-dependent analysis of bacterial replication, cell viability, and cytokine production.
  • Co-culture with monocytes to assess cytokine release dynamics.

Main Results:

  • Chlamydia pneumoniae successfully infected and replicated within SaOS-2 osteoblasts.
  • Infection led to increased osteoblast number and viability.
  • A significant pro-inflammatory response was observed, with increased levels of IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, and IL-23.
  • Cytokine production peaked 72 hours post-infection, especially after monocyte interaction.

Conclusions:

  • Chlamydia pneumoniae can infect osteoblasts, survive, and induce a pro-inflammatory cytokine response.
  • This suggests a potential mechanism linking C. pneumoniae infection to inflammatory bone diseases.
  • Targeting cytokine release, particularly IL-23, could be a therapeutic strategy for inflammatory bone conditions.

Related Concept Videos

Bacterial Phylum Chlamydiae01:29

Bacterial Phylum Chlamydiae

The phylum Chlamydiae or Chlamydiota is composed of a single order, Chlamydiales. This phylum consists entirely of obligate intracellular parasites that infect eukaryotic hosts. While human pathogens within this group have been studied extensively, the phylum encompasses many species capable of interacting with various eukaryotic organisms. Members of Chlamydiae are typically small cocci, approximately 0.5 μm in diameter, and exhibit a distinctive developmental cycle. As is characteristic of...
Chronic Inflammation: Introduction01:12

Chronic Inflammation: Introduction

Chronic inflammation is a prolonged, dysregulated immune response that persists for weeks to years when the inciting stimulus is difficult to eradicate or when self‑antigens drive ongoing reactivity. Morphologically, it is defined by mononuclear cell infiltration, progressive tissue destruction, and concurrent attempts at healing via angiogenesis and fibrosis. Compared with acute inflammation, edema is less prominent while cellular infiltration predominates; triggers include persistent...
Atypical Pneumonia01:14

Atypical Pneumonia

Atypical pneumonia, often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is a form of pulmonary infection that differs from the classical presentation of bacterial pneumonia in both its cause and clinical symptoms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a pleomorphic bacterium notable for its lack of a rigid cell wall. This structural characteristic imparts resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and significantly influences the bacterium’s behavior within the human host.Other pathogens responsible for the disease include...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology01:20

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) pathophysiology is intricate and multifaceted, involving a complex interplay of physiological processes. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for effectively managing and treating COPD. Here is an in-depth look at the critical elements in the pathophysiology of COPD:
Chronic Inflammation