New Research, published in the journal of Biological
Chemistry, outlines the shape of the Pgp3, a protein that is secreted by the
Chlamydia bacterium. This protein is thought to be one of virulence factors that
allow the bacterium to bypass our natural defence systems.
The authors of the report have stated that the protein’s structure
is a very peculiar one. Professor Hart, one of the authors, has stated that the
protein structure looks more like those associated with viruses than bacteria.
The identification of the structure may be helpful in finding
a new treatment for Chlamydia. In fact, the study has identified, within the
protein’s structure, ‘hotspots’ where protein-to-protein interaction is
facilitated. This is a possible reason why Chlamydia is easily transmittable,
as the interactions are thought to enable the connections between the infection
and the host cells in the human body. A new treatment might use this information
to tackle these connections and block the reception of the protein. Through
this action, the infection might have trouble surviving in the host body.
Chlamydia is the most common sexually
transmitted infection and it often goes undetected as patients frequently
exhibit no symptoms. We recommend regular testing every time you change
partners to ensure that you do not have this infection. Online testing by post is available from The STI Clinic.