Figure 9.

Model of ACAT influence on C. trachomatis growth. A model of the influence of ACAT activity on intracellular chlamydial growth. The ER localized eukaryotic enzyme catalyzes the esterification of cholesterol in the lumen of the smooth ER and the produced cholesteryl esters are transported to lipid droplets. Lipids in the lipid droplets are then accessible for Chlamydia and imported into the chlamydiae. Here, chlamydial enzymes such as CT149 can break down the esters and utilize cholesterol and the free fatty acid.