Low-Frequency, Sustained CD4 T-Cell Responses Chlamydia trachomatis in Women: Predominant Targeting of Chlamydial Proteaselike Activity Factor (CPAF).

ABSTRACT:

Background

Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) is a globally prevalent sexually transmitted infection that can result in pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility in women. Currently, there is no prophylactic vaccine.

Methods

This study examined T-cell immunity in a cohort of women recently infected with CT. Participants were screened against peptides spanning 33 of 894 possible CT proteins, either ex vivo or using short-term cell lines. CT-specific T cells were characterized by interferon (IFN) γ enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay and flow cytometry.

Results

Ex vivo CT-specific T cells were rarely detected; however, in vitro expanded CT-specific T cells were detected by IFN-γ ELISPOT in 90% (27 of 30) of participants. Notably, >50% of participants

SUBMITTER: Li Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11841636 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature