Chlamydia trachomatis orchestrates multifaceted host cell manipulation for immune evasion

Communications Biology

11 June 2026 doi.org/10.1038/s42003-026-10403-9

Deepthi Krishnan Nair Geetha, Paridhi Agarwal, Athulya Thiruvacholayil & Karthika Rajeeve

Abstract

Chlamydia trachomatis is an obligate intracellular sexually transmitted human pathogen and a major cause of ocular and urogenital infections worldwide, causing significant reproductive and neonatal complications. Despite eliciting host immune responses, C. trachomatis infections frequently remain asymptomatic, contributing to silent epidemic that often progress to chronic disease. This paradox reflects the remarkable ability of the pathogen to intricately manipulate host cell survival pathways and immune signalling networks. This review synthesizes current knowledge of C. trachomatis pathogenesis and host–pathogen interactions, with a particular emphasis on immune evasion strategies, the implications of which might be effective for therapeutic and preventive approaches.