The main pathogenic structure and mechanism of Helicobacter pylori

Yue Zhang¹, Yuxin Bai¹, Tongbing Chen², Meihua Wang^3*

¹Department of Pathology, Changzhou Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Changzhou 213032, Jiangsu, China.

²Department of Pathology, Changzhou First People’s Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Changzhou 213004, Jiangsu, China.

³Department of Pathology, Changzhou Cancer Hospital, Changzhou 213032, Jiangsu, China.

*Correspondence: Meihua Wang; Email: 3wangmeihua1234@suda.edu.cn

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), due to its particular bacterial structures, can colonize in the acidic stomach environment and concomitantly resist to antimicrobial agents. Besides, the virulence factors secreted by the bacterium could induce a series of signaling pathways, leading to the production of inflammation and modulation of gene expression, and ultimately contributing to digestive system and even systemic diseases. With the continuous increase in the incidence and mortality of gastric cancer , researches focusing on H. pylori, one of the key high-risk factors, has gained growing attention in clinical and basic science fields. Once infection is confirmed, timely and standardized treatment, verification of antibiotic susceptibility, and post-therapeutic testing constitute the main prevention and control strategies. Given the diversity and complexity of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying H. pylori infection, this review aims to synthesize the latest advances in understanding its bacterial structure, as well as the pathogenic mechanisms mediated by virulence factors.

Keywords: H. pylori, urease, flagella, OMPs, CagA, VacA