CD4+ and CD8+ T effector memory responses in Chlamydia pneumoniae-stimulated PBMC in non-asthmatic subjects

Chlamydia pneumoniae (C. pneumoniae) is a gram-negative intracellular bacterium that causes respiratory infection. C. pneumoniae infection can trigger asthma symptoms, but may be underdiagnosed. Immunological differences exist between subjects with or without asthma, with regard to host responses to C. pneumoniae. The heterogeneity of asthma can be better understood by analyzing the repertoire of T-cell subpopulations. The aim of this study was to expand existing knowledge of T effector memory (TEM) lymphocytes through identification of C.