The role of Chlamydia psittaci polymorphic membrane proteins (pmp) in its pathogenesis and in determination of host range.

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Chlamydia psittaci, an obligate intracellular bacterium, is an etiological agent for human psittacosis. In this project, regarding chlamydial pathogenesis and diverse host range, we have focused on the role of the polymorphic membrane protein (pmp) family of C. psittaci. The representative results were as follows. 1) Comparative genomics of the pmp family: Diversity of the pmp family genes were observed in the genomes of intra-chlamydial strains as well as inter-chlamydial species. 2) Expression profile of the Pmp family during growth of C. psittaci: In addition to the constitutively expressed Pmp (e.g.: PmpD), some Pmp (such as PmpG11) were transcribed after the mid-stage of the chlamydial propagation in host cells. 3) Functional analysis of the C. psittaci-specific Pmp: Regarding to the C. psittaci-specific PmpG11, although its contribution to the chlamydial pathogenesis was unknown, the applicability of PmpG11 as a serodiagnostic antigen was revealed and evaluated.