Figure 9

Proposed model of EGFR involvement at various stages of C. trachomatis infection. C. trachomatis infection induces EGFR phosphorylation and activation of downstream targets like Akt, STAT5 and PLCγ1. The direct activation of EGFR by EBs binding to the extracellular domain of EGFR is shown here but other indirect mechanisms of EGFR activation are possible as well. Activation of EGFR signaling can upregulate host cell survival mechanisms and induce increased calcium mobilization. EGFR co-localization with F-actin is suggestive of a possible direct role of EGFR in formation of F-actin rings at the periphery of inclusion. The increased calcium signaling can have several functions ranging from cytoskeletal remodeling to recruitment of host proteins at the inclusion membrane. The EGFR-induced formation of F-actin ring and other cytoskeletal elements at the inclusion periphery can further aid in inclusion expansion via vesicular trafficking and nutrient uptake.