Chlamydia trachomatis Antigens Recognized in Women With Tubal Factor Infertility, Normal Fertility, and Acute Infection

Abstract

Objective To identify Chlamydia trachomatis antigens associated with tubal factor infertility and acute infection. Methods A C. trachomatis proteome array was used to compare antibody profiles among women with tubal factor infertility, normal fertility, and acute C. trachomatis infection. Results Thirteen immunodominant antigens reacted with 50% or more sera from all women (N=73). Six C. trachomatis antigens were uniquely recognized by women diagnosed with tubal factor infertility. Combining fragmentation of the six antigens with serum sample dilution, chlamydial antigens HSP60, CT376, CT557, and CT443 could discriminate between women with tubal factor infertility and women with normal fertility with a sensitivity of 63% (95% CI: 0.41–0.77) and specificity of 100% (95% CI: 0.91–1), respectively. These antigens were designated as tubal factor infertility-associated antigens. However, these tubal factor antigens were unable to distinguish tubal factor infertility patients from those with acute infection. A combination of CT875 and CT147 distinguished women with acute infection from all other C. trachomatis-exposed women with a detection sensitivity of 63% (95% CI: 0.41–0.77) and specificity of 100% (95% CI: 0.95–1), respectively. Thus, CT875 and CT147 were designated as acute infection-associated antigens. Conclusion A sequential screening of antibodies against panels of C. trachomatis antigens can be used to identify women with tubal factor infertility and acute C. trachomatis infection.

Structure of the Chlamydia trachomatis Immunodominant Antigen Pgp3

“…Recent work reveals that the TNF-like domains are positioned distal to the exosporium anchor provided by the BclA NTD, suggesting that it is the TNF-like trimeric assembly that is adhesive and immunogenic (63). The TNF-like domain of Pgp3 is known to be the immunodominant antigen secreted during C. trachomatis infection (18,19). Thus far, few bacterial proteins have been demonstrated to possess TNF-like topology.…”

“…It is one of the most immunodominant antigens in mammals infected by chlamydial organisms (18,19). Human antibody recognition of Pgp3 is dependent on its trimeric quaternary structure (16).…”

Spectroscopic analysis of chlamydial major outer membrane protein in support of structure elucidation

“…The symptoms of chlamydial genital tract infection are chronic abdominal pain, ectopic pregnancy and infertility 6. It has been reported that 50% of all cases of infertility in the Western world are caused by Chlamydia infection 7. Infection with C. trachomatis has been reported to be associated with cervical cancer8 and also facilitates the transmission of HIV.…”

CPAF selectively degrades chlamydial T cell antigens for inhibiting antigen presentation

“…Chlamydia infection begins in the lower genital tracts; however, the diseases induced by chlamydia such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, and ectopic pregnancy take place in the fallopian tubes in the upper genital tracts [2,45,46]. Therefore, chlamydia must overcome host immunity, particularly in the genital mucosa that controls the spread and ascension of chlamydia.…”