Figure 1.

Proposed mechanism for the role of the plasmid in infectivity. In wild-type Chlamydia, the secretion pathways needed for OMV-mediated secretion of Pgp3 or Pgp4-regulated, chromosomally encoded secreted proteins functions properly and facilitates events at the chlamydial membrane important for the formation of a functional EB, such as placement of an adhesin in the outer membrane. In the absence of the plasmid, or in strains lacking Pgp3 or Pgp4, the OMV secretion pathway is negatively impacted leading to off target effects at the chlamydial membrane coinciding with RB-EB transition. Disruption of the OMV secretion pathway could impact the proper placement, folding, or cross-linking of a chlamydial adhesin in the outer membrane. Figure was created using BioRender.com.