Immunogenic Helicobacter pylori antigens (H. pylori antigens)

Immunogenic Helicobacter pylori antigens are a diverse set of proteins produced by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori that elicit a host immune response and play pivotal roles in gastric pathogenesis [Cover and Blaser, 2009]. Key members of this group include Urease, which allows the bacteria to survive the acidic stomach environment, and major virulence factors such as Cytotoxin-associated gene A (CagA) and Vacuolating cytotoxin A (VacA) [Salama et al., 2013]. CagA is often referred to as a bacterial oncoprotein because it is injected into host cells, where it disrupts signaling pathways and promotes oncogenesis [Wroblewski et al., 2010]. VacA induces the formation of large vacuoles in gastric epithelial cells, leading to cell death and tissue damage [Cover and Blaser, 2009]. These antigens are the primary targets for the development of prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines, as well as the basis for non-invasive diagnostic tests like the stool antigen test and serology [Malfertheiner et al., 2022]. Despite their potential as therapeutic targets, the high genetic diversity of H. pylori strains and the risk of inducing autoimmune responses through molecular mimicry present significant challenges in drug and vaccine development [Salama et al., 2013; Chmiela and Gonciarz, 2017].

Other names

H. pylori virulence factorsHelicobacter pylori proteinsGastric bacterial antigens

Induction of neutralizing antibodies (IgA/IgG) and cellular immunity to block bacterial adhesion, neutralize toxins, and facilitate pathogen clearance.