Figure 1.

A host-derived cytoskeletal scaffold stabilizes the chlamydial inclusion. The chlamydial inclusion is encased in a network of F-actin and Intermediate filaments (IFs). In this model, F-actin assembly at the inclusion surface is orchestrated by RhoA, which is presumably recruited to the inclusion by putative bacterial effectors. RhoA possibly in cooperation of other host accessory proteins orchestrates F-actin assembly (Left). Inclusion-associated F-actin further recruits IFs completing the cytoskeletal cage (middle). Inclusion expansion in response to bacterial replication is facilitated by modification of IFs by the chlamydial protease CPAF (Right).