Inhibition of tRNA Synthetases Induces Persistence in Chlamydia

Abstract

Chlamydia trachomatis is the leading cause of bacterial sexually transmitted infections, and Chlamydia pneumoniae causes community-acquired respiratory infections. In vivo , the host immune system will release gamma interferon (IFN-γ) to combat infection. IFN-γ activates human cells to produce the tryptophan (Trp)-catabolizing enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO). Consequently, there is a reduction in cytosolic Trp in IFN-γ-activated host cells.