%0 Journal Article
%T H. pylori Virulence Factors: Influence on Immune System and Pathology
%A Behnam Kalali
%A Raquel Mej¨ªas-Luque
%A Anahita Javaheri
%A Markus Gerhard
%J Mediators of Inflammation
%D 2014
%I Hindawi Publishing Corporation
%R 10.1155/2014/426309
%X Helicobacter pylori is the most widespread chronic bacterial agent in humans and is well recognized for its association with ulcer disease and gastric cancer, with both representing major global health and socioeconomic issues. Given the high level of adaptation and the coevolution of this bacterium with its human host, a thorough and multidirectional view of the specific microbiological characteristics of this infection as well as the host physiology is needed in order to develop novel means of prevention of therapy. This review aims to pinpoint some of these potentially important angles, which have to be considered mutually when studying H. pylori¡¯s pathogenicity. The host¡¯s biological changes due to the virulence factors are a valuable pillar of H. pylori research as are the mechanisms by which bacteria provoke these changes. In this context, necessary adhesion molecules and significant virulence factors of H. pylori are discussed. Moreover, metabolism of the bacteria, one of the most important aspects for a better understanding of bacterial physiology and consequently possible therapeutic and prophylactic strategies, is addressed. On the other hand, we discuss the recent experimental proofs of the ¡°hygiene hypothesis¡± in correlation with Helicobacter¡¯s infection, which adds another aspect of complexity to this infection. 1. Introduction Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a helix shaped, microaerophilic, Gram-negative, flagellated bacteria. This bacterium is one of the most important human pathogens, infecting more than 50% of the human population. H. pylori and mankind have had an ancient relationship for at least 50,000 years [1]. Infection with H. pylori is usually acquired in early childhood and persists for life [2]. While over 80% of infected individuals are asymptomatic [3], the infection can lead to peptic ulcer, gastritis, and gastric cancer. Thus, being recognized as the principal agent leading to gastric cancer, WHO has classified H. pylori as a class I carcinogen. H. pylori uniquely colonizes the stomach where it induces inflammation and affects gastric physiology. There are well-characterized mechanisms of adaptation, which ancestral H. pylori have developed over the time. Through selection and coevolution, this bacterium established measures by which it actively and passively avoids the human immune response. Given the widespread prevalence of this infection, its socioeconomic impact, and the rising antibiotic resistance rates worldwide, novel means of treatment and prevention will be required. Therefore, it is essential to understand
%U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/mi/2014/426309/