Helicobacter pylori cell wall and periplasmic components

The Helicobacter pylori cell wall and periplasmic components represent a complex structural system essential for the bacterium's survival in the human stomach (Kusters et al., 2006). This target includes the peptidoglycan layer, which maintains cell shape, and the outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharides and adhesion proteins (Salama et al., 2013). The periplasm houses the enzyme urease, which is critical for acid neutralization and colonization (Weeks et al., 2000). Therapeutic agents like amoxicillin target this system by inhibiting penicillin-binding proteins, thereby preventing proper cell wall assembly (StatPearls, 2023). Bismuth salts also act on these components by causing cell wall lysis and inhibiting periplasmic enzymes (Marcus et al., 1997). Because this target is a multi-component structure rather than a single protein, it is often used to describe the site of action for broad-spectrum cell-envelope-disrupting agents. Clinical monitoring of this target's activity is frequently performed using the urea breath test, which detects periplasmic urease function. Resistance mechanisms, such as mutations in penicillin-binding proteins or changes in outer membrane permeability, pose significant challenges to effective eradication (Guevara & Cogdill, 2020).

Other names

H. pylori cell wallH. pylori periplasmHelicobacter pylori cell envelope

Inhibition of peptidoglycan cross-linking and disruption of cell membrane/periplasmic enzyme function