Lipoprotein 20 (Lpp20) (Lpp20)

Lpp20 is an 18-kDa outer membrane lipoprotein of Helicobacter pylori that plays a vital role in the bacterium's survival and colonization of the human stomach [3, 12]. It is a highly conserved and immunodominant antigen, making it a primary candidate for the development of prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines against H. pylori infections [1, 6]. Beyond its role in colonization, Lpp20 functions as a pathogenic factor by inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in gastric cells, a process that promotes cell migration, proliferation, and the progression of gastric cancer [3, 8]. Additionally, Lpp20 has been implicated in extragastric diseases; it can bind to host platelets and form immune complexes with anti-Lpp20 antibodies, leading to platelet destruction in conditions like chronic immune thrombocytopenia (cITP) [5]. The protein is also found in bacterial extracellular vesicles (bEVs), which may facilitate its transport into the bloodstream and contribute to systemic complications [5]. Therapeutic strategies targeting Lpp20 include the development of multivalent vaccines and monoclonal antibodies designed to neutralize its pathogenic effects and reduce bacterial load [1, 14, 17].

Other names

18-kDa outer membrane antigen18-kDa outer membrane proteinHP1456LPP20 lipoprotein

Induction of protective immune responses (humoral and cellular) to reduce bacterial colonization and neutralize pathogenic effects such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition [1, 6, 17].