The role of host cell organelles in the development of Simkania negevensis

Abstract

Simkania negevensis is an obligate intracellular Chlamydia-like pathogen of the respiratory tract. It infects and multiplies in a wide range of hosts, from unicellular amoeba to a variety of human cells, such as epithelial HeLa and macrophage-like THP1 cells. The Simkania-containing vacuole (SnCV) forms close contacts with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and recruits and affects mitochondria of the host cells. Simkania prevent ER stress and require the components of the retrograde transport, as well as several mitochondrial and peroxisomal proteins, for proper development. This review recapitulates our current knowledge about the involvement of various cellular organelles in the life cycle of S. negevensis.