Heat shock proteins (HSP) are a conservative group of proteins and are produced by prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells in response to external stimuli . HSP proteins were divided into six groups according to their molecular weight. The chlamydial infections described involved three groups : HSP10 , HSP60 and HSP70 . It has been shown that they are both associated with primary and secondary zakażeniamiChlamydia (C. ) trachomatis and Chlamydophila ( Cp. ) pneumoniae. HSP proteins stimulate cells of the immune system, resulting in the increased synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines ( IFNg , TNFa , IL- 1b , IL- 6 , IL- 8 , IL- 10 , IL- 12, IL -23 ), which are pathogenic factors wzmagającymi the action of these bacteria , as demonstrated in experimental infections in animals. Interaction of chlamydial and human HSP60 enhances pathogenic effects include Cp . pneumoniae , which is important in coronary artery disease . On the other hand, the determination of anti- HSP levels may indicate an infection with chlamydia and chlamydofilami , which is important in diseases in which these bacteria are cofactors . In summary , the heat shock proteins are both part associated with pathogenicity and on the other may be an element used in the diagnosis of chlamydial diseases.