Differential sensitivities of Chlamydia trachomatis strains to inhibitory effects of gamma interferon

Gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) is an important cytokine in host defense against chlamydial infection. An in vitro cell culture system was used to show that IFN-gamma 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-gamma-mediated inhibition may profoundly influence the clinical outcome of infection.