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Updated: May 11, 2026
09:11
A Human Fallopian Tube Model for Investigation of C. trachomatis Infections
Published on: August 11, 2012
Chlamydia trachomatis infection results in a modest pro-inflammatory cytokine response and a decrease in T cell
Lyndsey R Buckner1, Maria E Lewis, Sheila J Greene
1Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
Cytokine
|May 16, 2013
Summary
Chlamydia trachomatis evades immune detection by suppressing T cell chemokines and delaying inflammatory responses in endocervical cells. This immune evasion aids the bacteria in establishing persistent genital infections in women.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The endocervical epithelium is a primary reservoir for Chlamydia trachomatis, leading to prolonged genital infections.
- Epithelial cells function as mucosal sentinels, releasing cytokines and chemokines upon pathogen detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cytokine and chemokine response of endocervical epithelial cells to Chlamydia trachomatis infection.
- To characterize the immune evasion strategies employed by C. trachomatis in the endocervical microenvironment.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a polarized, immortalized endocervical epithelial cell model (polA2EN) that mimics in vivo characteristics.
- Infected polA2EN cells with a common genital serovar (D) of C. trachomatis and monitored cytokine/chemokine secretion.
- Assessed chlamydial developmental cycle and protein levels of various cytokines and chemokines.
Main Results:
- Chlamydia trachomatis infection induced IL1α protein levels late (72h post-infection) and did not significantly alter IL6, TNFα, or CXCL8 levels.
- Infection led to a significant decrease in T cell chemokines IP10 and RANTES, dependent on productive infection.
- IL-11 was induced basolaterally, while IL1ra secretion remained unchanged.
Conclusions:
- C. trachomatis employs immune evasion strategies, including delayed pro-inflammatory cytokine release and suppression of T cell chemokines.
- These mechanisms, combined with the endocervical cell immune repertoire, facilitate the establishment and persistence of intracellular chlamydial infections.
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