In this study, we first identified the group of pro-apoptotic BH3-only proteins as a target for destruction during Chlamydia infection. Apoptosis inhibition is probably important in Chlamydia infection, especially before the end of the infection cycle. This is suggested by the finding that the induction of apoptosis by BimS at 24 hours post-infection can block reconstitution of infectious bacteria and therefore block chlamydial propagation. In contrast, at the end of an infection cycle, infected cells undergo cell death with apoptotic features in terms of nuclear morphology. The dying cells were, however, efficiently ingested by phagocytes in vitro, indicating possible roles of Chlamydia-induced cell death in vivo, by initiating an immune response or by transmission of the infection into immune cells.
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In this study, we first identified the group of pro-apoptotic BH3-only proteins as a target for destruction during Chlamydia infection. Apoptosis inhibition is probably important in Chlamydia infection, especially before the end of the infection cycle. This is suggested by the finding that the induction of apoptosis by BimS at 24 hours post-infection can block reconstitution of infectious bacteria and therefore block chlamydial propagation. In contrast, at the end of an infection cycle, infected...
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