Helicobacter pylori adhesin protein (None universally established; specific adhesins may have abbreviations (e.g., BabA, SabA, HpaA).)

Helicobacter pylori adhesin proteins are a group of bacterial outer membrane proteins responsible for mediating the attachment of H. pylori to the gastric mucosa and epithelial cells. Major adhesins include BabA (which binds blood group antigens, especially Lewis b), SabA (which binds sialylated glycoproteins), HpaA (important for colonization and immune modulation), AlpA/B, OipA, HopQ, and HopZ. These proteins facilitate colonization, persistence, and pathogenesis, including inflammation and the delivery of virulence factors into host cells. Adhesins are considered key therapeutic targets for preventing and treating H. pylori infection, mainly through anti-adhesion strategies and vaccine development. However, the diversity and redundancy of adhesin molecules and the host-pathogen adaptation present notable challenges to therapeutic targeting[1][3][4][5][6][7][8].

Other names

Helicobacter pylori adhesinsOuter membrane adhesin proteins (BabA, SabA, HpaA, AlpA/B, OipA, HopZ, HopQ)Blood-group antigen-binding adhesin (BabA)Sialic acid-binding adhesin (SabA)

Vaccine approach: Immune system generates antibodies against adhesins, blocking bacterial attachment and colonization Anti-adhesion therapy: Molecules interfere with adhesin–host receptor binding, inhibiting bacterial adherence