AUTHOR=Xiang Wenjing , Yu Nanyan , Lei Aihua , Li Xiaofang , Tan Shui , Huang Lijun , Zhou Zhou 

TITLE=Insights Into Host Cell Cytokines in Chlamydia Infection

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Immunology

VOLUME=12

YEAR=2021

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2021.639834

DOI=10.3389/fimmu.2021.639834

ISSN=1664-3224

ABSTRACT=<p>Chlamydial infection causes a number of clinically relevant diseases and induces significant morbidity in humans. Immune and inflammatory responses contribute to both the clearance of <italic>Chlamydia</italic> infection and pathology in host tissues. <italic>Chlamydia</italic> infection stimulates host cells to produce a large number of cytokines that trigger and regulate host immune responses against <italic>Chlamydia</italic>. However, inappropriate responses can occur with excessive production of cytokines, resulting in overreactive inflammatory responses and alterations in host or <italic>Chlamydia</italic> metabolism. As a result, <italic>Chlamydia</italic> persists and causes wound healing delays, leading to more severe tissue damage and triggering long-lasting fibrotic sequelae. Here, we summarize the roles of cytokines in <italic>Chlamydia</italic> infection and pathogenesis, thus advancing our understanding chlamydial infection biology and the pathogenic mechanisms involved.</p>