Chlamydial genomics and vaccine antigen discovery.

Vaccine development for Chlamydia species has progressed on several research fronts, including knowledge of the components of the immune response required for immunity and resolution of infection as well as effective modes of delivery. The antigens required to elicit protective immune responses have not been identified. The full biologic potential for Chlamydia trachomatis and Chlamydia pneumoniae was exposed by the completion of the genome sequence for each organism. This knowledge will aid vaccine antigen discovery by facilitating the identification, testing, and evaluation of antigens by way of vaccine delivery approaches that elicit protective immunity.