Vacuolating cytotoxin A (VacA) (VacA)

Vacuolating cytotoxin A (VacA) is a potent pore-forming toxin and a primary virulence factor secreted by Helicobacter pylori (UniProt: P55981). It is produced as a 140 kDa precursor that is processed into an 88 kDa mature toxin, which further dissociates into p33 and p58 subunits (PubMed: 15932242). VacA exerts its effects by forming anion-selective channels in the host cell plasma membrane and endosomal membranes, leading to the characteristic formation of large cytoplasmic vacuoles (PubMed: 26854168). Additionally, VacA targets mitochondria to induce cytochrome c release and apoptosis, and it suppresses the immune system by interfering with T-lymphocyte activation and proliferation (PubMed: 11544351). Given its critical role in the development of gastric ulcers and gastric cancer, VacA is a key target for therapeutic intervention and vaccine development (PubMed: 28438503).

Other names

Vacuolating cytotoxinVacuolating toxinp88p58/p33Autotransporter protein VacA

Inhibition of toxin binding to host cell receptors, neutralization of toxin-induced vacuolation, and blockade of pore-forming activity in host membranes.