Chlamydia pneumoniae multiplies in human endothelial cells in vitro
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S S Kaukoranta-Tolvanen1, K Laitinen, P Saikku
1National Public Health Institute, Helsinki, Finland.
Abstract:
The ability of three C. pneumoniae isolates, Kajaani 6, Helsinki 12 and TW-183, to grow in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and in an immortalized endothelial cell line EA.hy 926 was studied. All C. pneumoniae isolates were capable of multiplying in endothelial cells. EA.hy926 cells could support the growth of C. pneumoniae better than HUVEC, yet less efficiently than HL and HEp-2 cells that are conventionally used in C. pneumoniae culturing. Although centrifugation of the inoculum greatly increased the inclusion yields, it was not necessary for infectivity. In addition, a persistent infection of C. pneumoniae in EA.hy 926 and HL cells ensued and it was followed up for two months. The fact that endothelial cells can serve as hosts to C. pneumoniae might be a significant contributing factor in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, a disease which recent studies show to be associated with chronic C. pneumoniae infection.
Insights
Chlamydia pneumoniae can infect and multiply within human endothelial cells, including EA.hy926 cells. This finding suggests a potential role for endothelial cells in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis linked to chronic C. pneumoniae infection.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
- Pathogenesis
Background:
- Chlamydia pneumoniae is a bacterium implicated in atherosclerosis.
- Endothelial cells form the inner lining of blood vessels and play a role in vascular health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ability of different Chlamydia pneumoniae isolates to infect and replicate in human endothelial cells.
- To compare the supportive capacity of endothelial cells versus conventional cell lines for C. pneumoniae growth.
- To assess the potential for persistent C. pneumoniae infection in endothelial cells.
Main Methods:
- Culturing of three Chlamydia pneumoniae isolates (Kajaani 6, Helsinki 12, TW-183).
- Infection of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and EA.hy926 cells.
- Comparison of growth yields with HL and HEp-2 cell lines.
- Monitoring of persistent infection for two months.
Main Results:
- All tested C. pneumoniae isolates successfully multiplied in both HUVEC and EA.hy926 cells.
- EA.hy926 cells supported C. pneumoniae growth more effectively than HUVEC.
- Centrifugation enhanced inclusion yields but was not essential for infectivity.
- Persistent C. pneumoniae infections were established and maintained in EA.hy926 and HL cells for up to two months.
Conclusions:
- Human endothelial cells, particularly EA.hy926, can support Chlamydia pneumoniae replication.
- The ability of C. pneumoniae to infect endothelial cells may contribute to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
- Endothelial cells represent a potential host niche for chronic C. pneumoniae infections relevant to atherosclerosis.