Defining human interferon-stimulated genes with novel functions in host defense to Chlamydia infections

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ABSTRACT Chlamydia trachomatis is the most widespread sexually transmitted bacterial pathogen in the world. People infected with C. trachomatis are often initially asymptomatic, hindering the proper diagnostic and therapeutic strategies necessary to impede this “silent epidemic”. If not properly treated, the bacteria are able to establish a long-lasting, persistent infection that can ultimately lead to severe medical sequelae. These complications arise predominantly in women, and include pelvic inflammatory disease, life-threatening ectopic pregnancies or infertility. A critical component of the microbial pathogenesis of C. trachomatis is its ability to evade immune detection and other antimicrobial responses conferred by its human host. These host defenses are largely galvanized by the cytokine interferon-gamma (IFNγ), which stimulates epithelial cells occupying the site of an infection to up regulate the expression of interferon-stimulated-genes (ISGs). These ISGs are then responsible for the execution and immune clearance of invading microbes. In order to subvert the effects of IFNγ and successfully replicate in epithelial cells, C. trachomatis must have evolved counterdefenses to ISGs that normally target and destroy other bacterial pathogens. However, the identity and function of these ISGs, as well as the C. trachomatis virulence effectors that inhibit ISG functions, are poorly understood. In pursuit of answering these questions, we performed two complementary screens to identify i) ISGs with anti-Chlamydia activities and ii) C. trachomatis genetic mutants with hypersensitivity to IFNγ treatment. In Aim 1 of this proposal, we will use a combination of functional genetics and cell biological studies in human cells to dissect the intracellular responses conferred by these anti-Chlamydia ISGs. In Aim 2, we will combine parallel approaches in bacterial genetics and whole-genome sequencing to pinpoint the causative genetic elements responsible for C. trachomatis evasion of IFNγ-mediated immunity. Taken together, these experiments will interrogate the dynamic relationship between cell-intrinsic defenses mediated by human ISGs and counter- resistance mechanisms of Chlamydia that are employed during infection. Implications of these studies will provide important platforms for the development of novel anti-Chlamydia medicines or vaccination strategies that treat its associated disease.