Heat shock proteins (HSPs) and chlamydiosis and chlamydophilosis

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are a conservative group of proteins, which are produced by prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells in response to external signals. HSPs are divided into six groups depending on their molecular weight. Three groups of HSPs: HSP10, HSP60 and HSP70 are involved in infections with Chlamydia and Chlamydophila. Studies have shown that HSPs are connected with primary and secondary infections with Chlamydia (C.) trachomatis and Chlamydophila (Cp.) pneumoniae. HSPs can stimulate cells of the immunological system, increasing the synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines (IFN gamma, TNF alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-23), which in turn enhance the pathogenic potential of these bacteria, as demonstrated in experimental infections in animals. Cooperation of human and chlamydial HSP60 increases the pathogenicity of Chl. pneumoniae, which was shown in coronary heart disease. On the other hand, detection of anti-HSP antibodies in serum can indicate infection with Chlamydia or Chlamydophila. In summary, heat shock proteins arc responsible for pathogenic effect of Chlamydia and Chlamydophila, but may also be used in diagnosis of these bacteria.