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Kaempferol inhibits Chlamydia psittaci proliferation by blocking lipid transport and RB-EB differentiation

Yinhui Lin1,2, Yufei Jiang2, Shan Zhang2

  • 1Artemisinin Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.

Frontiers in Microbiology
|March 30, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Kaempferol, a natural flavonoid, effectively inhibits Chlamydia psittaci growth by disrupting nutrient supply and developmental cycles. This discovery offers a promising new avenue for treating infections caused by this pathogen.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Chlamydia psittaci is a significant pathogen threatening human and animal health.
  • Existing treatments face challenges due to emerging drug resistance.
  • Novel anti-chlamydial agents are urgently needed.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the anti-chlamydial activity of kaempferol, a natural flavonoid.
  • To identify potential targets of kaempferol against C. psittaci.
  • To explore kaempferol's mechanism of action in inhibiting C. psittaci growth.

Main Methods:

  • In silico screening to identify potential targets.
  • Cellular assays using HeLa and THP-1 cells to assess anti-chlamydial activity.
  • Mechanistic investigations into kaempferol's effects on host-pathogen interactions.

Main Results:

  • Kaempferol significantly inhibited intracellular C. psittaci growth in a dose-dependent manner.
  • Kaempferol demonstrated no cytotoxicity to host cells at effective concentrations.
  • Kaempferol disrupted host lipid trafficking to the bacterial inclusion and inhibited reticulate body to elementary body conversion.

Conclusions:

  • Kaempferol exhibits potent anti-chlamydial activity against C. psittaci.
  • Kaempferol acts by targeting essential pathogen processes: lipid acquisition and developmental cycle progression.
  • Kaempferol represents a promising lead compound for developing new therapeutics against C. psittaci infections.
Keywords:
Chlamydia psittaciRB-EB differentiationdevelopmental cyclekaempferollipid droplets

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