Chlamydia pneumoniae Infection and Diseases: Immunity to Chlamydia pneumoniae

Host Immune Response to Chlamydia Infection

“…Monocytes/macrophages and dendritic cells participate in the development of antigen-specific cell-mediated immunity by: (1) acting as antigen presenting cells (APC) and by (2) secretion of pro-IL-6, IL-1, IL-12) and antiinflammatory (IL-10, IL-13, cytokines, which activate other immune cells. In particular, the balance of IL-12 and IL-10 is crucial in regulating the development and functional characteristics of T cell responses (Surcel et al, 2005).…”

“…Activation of type 1 Th cell responses by IL-12 and IL-18 is considered the most important cytokine controlling chlamydiae infections, by regulating the cytotoxic T cells and by direct induction of nitric oxide synthase and the nitric oxide production in the macrophages as well as tryptophan depletion that inhibit chlamydial growth (Surcel et al, 2005). Activation of a type 2 cytokine response is associated with increased susceptibility to Chlamydia trachomatis and Chlamydia pneumoniae infection in experimental animal models.…”