Nuclear Factor-κB Activation in Endothelium by Chlamydia pneumoniae without Active Infection

Creator(s)

Jefferson T. Baer, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Tracey V. Du Laney, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Priscilla B. Wyrick, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Arlene S. McCain, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Thomas A. Fischer, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Elizabeth P. Merricks, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Albert S. Baldwin, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Timothy C. Nichols, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-15-2003

Description

Causative molecular mechanisms accounting for the potential link between Chlamydia pneumoniae and atherosclerosis are unknown. Formalin and heat-inactivated C. pneumoniae activated the transcription factor nuclear factor (NF)-κB in cultured porcine endothelium and up-regulated the expression of E-selectin messenger RNA and protein. This up-regulation was abolished by an IκB super-repressor, an NF-κB-specific inhibitor. Live bacteria are not necessary for the activation of endothelial NF-κB, and C. pneumoniae may contribute to atherogenesis without active infection.

Citation Information

Baer, Jefferson T.; Du Laney, Tracey V.; Wyrick, Priscilla B.; McCain, Arlene S.; Fischer, Thomas A.; Merricks, Elizabeth P.; Baldwin, Albert S.; and Nichols, Timothy C.. 2003. Nuclear Factor-κB Activation in Endothelium by Chlamydia pneumoniae without Active Infection. Journal of Infectious Diseases. Vol.188(8). 1094-1097. https://doi.org/10.1086/378564 PMID: 14551877 ISSN: 0022-1899