Differential Sensitivities of Chlamydia trachomatis Strains to Inhibitory Effects of Gamma Interferon

Gamma interferon (IFN-γ) is an important cytokine in host defense against chlamydial infection. An in vitro cell culture system was used to show that IFN-γ inhibition of chlamydial growth, as determined by diminished recovery of infectious elementary bodies, differed markedly among chlamydial strains. These differences in sensitivity among chlamydial strains to IFN-γ-mediated inhibition may profoundly influence the clinical outcome of infection.