Helicobacter pylori virulence factors and the host immune response: implications for therapeutic vaccination

Trends Microbiol. 2003 Mar;11(3):134-8. doi: 10.1016/s0966-842x(03)00024-6.

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori colonizes the human gastric mucosa and is associated with specific gastric disease. Virulence factors, such as urease, the vacuolating toxin (VacA), the cytotoxin-associated antigen CagA or blood-group-antigen-binding adhesin (BabA), an adherence factor, might account for the development of different diseases. Vaccination trials exploiting the antigenic properties of some of these proteins have not been successful in preventing infection in humans. A more in-depth understanding of the immune response to H. pylori infection as well as additional information on suitable epitopes and adjuvants will be required before a successful vaccine can be developed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bacterial Proteins / immunology
  • Bacterial Vaccines / therapeutic use*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Helicobacter Infections / drug therapy*
  • Helicobacter Infections / immunology*
  • Helicobacter Infections / prevention & control
  • Helicobacter pylori / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Vaccination
  • Virulence Factors / immunology*

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Bacterial Vaccines
  • Virulence Factors