Research progress in the mechanisms of interactions between Chlamydia and mitochondria

Abstract:

Chlamydia is a genus of prokaryotic microorganisms that lies between viruses and bacteria, strictly parasitizing eukaryotic cells and possessing a unique developmental cycle. Based on the characteristics of intracellular growth, Chlamydia can interact with multiple organelles in host cells to promote its own growth and replication. Mitochondria, multifunctional organelles in cells, not only serve as the metabolic center and energy factory but also are involved in various biological processes, playing an important role in the defense against pathogen invasion. Chlamydia infection is closely related to mitochondria. Studies have shown that Chlamydia relies on the mitochondrial metabolism of host cells to obtain energy and affects mitochondrial functions by changing mitochondrial protein composition and regulating mitochondrial dynamics, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species, etc. This article reviews the interaction mechanisms between Chlamydia and mitochondria in host cells.