Identification of candidate genes using the murine model of female genital tract infection with Chlamydia trachomatis.

The integrated approach to the study of female genital tract infection (GTI) with Chlamydia trachomatis is a conceptual framework through which a consistent and comprehensive evidence-based understanding of C. trachomatis GTI could evolve. One application of this approach has been to identify candidate genes that may play a role in the course and severity of C. trachomatis GTI in women, using human clinical and genetic data together with results obtained in the female mouse model to guide the selection process This model has been proven robust enough: i) to identify stable phenotypic differences in the course and outcome of GTI among commonly used immunocompetent inbred mouse stains that are used in the construction of gene knockout (KO) and transgenic mice; as well as ii) to serve as a platform in which to assess the influence of genetic differences among human genital tract isolates of C. trachomatis as well as between this biovar and the mouse biovar, Chlamydia muridarum. This review presents a summary of published and unpublished results from 25 years of studies in immunodeficient and gene-deficient KO mice that both inform our present understanding of the immunogenetics of C. trachomatis GTI and serve to guide candidate gene selection.