Novel diagnostic agents of chronic or persistent chlamydial diseases and uses thereof

摘要

The present invention discloses compositions and methods for detecting organisms of the Chlamydiaceae family, including species of Chlamydia and Chlamyclophila, in the persistent phase of their developmental cycle and for the diagnosis of chronic or persistent infections caused by such organisms. The present invention also discloses methods for screening agents that are useful inter alia for modulating a gene whose expression is altered in the persistent phase of the chiamydial developmental cycle or for modulating the level and/or functional activity of an expression product of that gene. Also disclosed are methods and compositions for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of infections, including chronic infections, caused by chamydial organisms using the aforesaid modulatory agents and optionally agents that are effective in modulating the expression of a gene associated with the lytic phase of said developmental cycle or in modulating the level and/or functional activity of an expression product of that gene. The invention also discloses methods and compositions for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of such infections using a first immunopotentiating agent that elicits the production of elements that are immuno-interactive with an antigen associated with the persistent phase of the chlamydial developmental cycle and a second immunopotentiating agent that elicits the production of elements that are immuno-interactive with an antigen associated with the lytic phase of said developmental cycle.