Abstract
New methods are needed to eradicate or prevent Chlamydia trachomatis infections. Blockade of epithelial membrane protein 2 (EMP2) by genetic silencing or neutralizing polyclonal antibody reduced chlamydial infectivity in vitro. This study tests the prediction that recombinant anti-EMP2 diabody could reduce early chlamydial infection of the genital tract in vivo. In a murine infection model, pretreatment with anti-EMP2 diabody, as compared with control diabody, significantly reduced bacterial load, tissue production of inflammatory cytokines, recruitment of polymorphonuclear leukocytes, and local tissue inflammation. These findings support EMP2 as a potential preventative and therapeutic target for genital chlamydial infection.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Chlamydia Infections / immunology
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Chlamydia Infections / microbiology
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Chlamydia Infections / pathology
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Chlamydia Infections / prevention & control*
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Chlamydia muridarum / immunology*
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Colony Count, Microbial
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Cytokines / immunology
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Cytokines / metabolism
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Female
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Genital Diseases, Female / immunology
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Genital Diseases, Female / microbiology
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Genital Diseases, Female / pathology
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Genital Diseases, Female / prevention & control*
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Immunoglobulins / genetics
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Immunoglobulins / therapeutic use*
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Inflammation / immunology
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Membrane Glycoproteins / antagonists & inhibitors*
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Membrane Glycoproteins / genetics
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Membrane Glycoproteins / immunology
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Mice
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Mice, Inbred BALB C
Substances
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Cytokines
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Emp2 protein, mouse
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Immunoglobulins
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Membrane Glycoproteins