A structural foundation for studying chlamydial polymorphic membrane proteins

Microbiol Spectr. 2023 Dec 12;11(6):e0324223. doi: 10.1128/spectrum.03242-23. Epub 2023 Oct 26.

Abstract

Infections by bacteria in the genus Chlamydia cause a range of widespread and potentially debilitating conditions in humans and other animals. We analyzed predicted structures of a family of proteins that are potential vaccine targets found in all Chlamydia spp. Our findings deepen the understanding of protein structure, provide a descriptive framework for discussion of the protein structure, and outline regions of the proteins that may be key targets in host-microbe interactions and anti-chlamydial immunity.

Keywords: AlphaFold; Chlamydia; autotransporter; polymorphic membrane protein; sexually transmitted infection; trachoma.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chlamydia Infections*
  • Chlamydia trachomatis / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Membrane Proteins* / metabolism

Substances

  • Membrane Proteins