The contribution of IL-17A-dependent low LCN2 levels to Helicobacter pylori infection: Insights from clinical and experimental studies

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a common bacterial infection that is widespread globally. It is crucial to comprehend the molecular mechanisms that underlie the infection caused by H. pylori in order to devise successful therapeutic approaches. The objective of this study was to examine the involvement of Lipocalin-2 (LCN2) in the development of H. pylori infection.Methods: LCN2 expression levels in human gastric mucosa and H. pylori-infected mouse models were analyzed using quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry methods. The effects of LCN2 on the attachment of H. pylori to gastric mucosa cells were assessed using bacterial culture and fluorescence intensity tests. To investigate the correlation between LCN2, CCL20, and IL-17A, we performed gene expression analysis and measured serum levels.Results: The findings indicated an increase in LCN2 levels in the gastric mucosa of both patients and mice infected with H. pylori. Blocking the natural LCN2 resulted in an increased attachment of H. pylori to cells in the gastric mucosa. In addition, we noticed that reduced levels of LCN2 promoted the attachment of H. pylori to cells in the gastric mucosa. Furthermore, H. pylori-infected patients exhibited increased expression of both LCN2 and CCL20, and there was a positive correlation between serum levels of CCL20 and LCN2. LCN2 expression was found to depend on the presence of IL-17A, and inhibiting IL-17A led to a higher H. pylori colonization.Conclusion: The persistence of H. pylori infection is facilitated by the presence of low levels of LCN2, which is dependent on IL-17A. This finding offers valuable perspectives for the development of novel therapeutic approaches for H. pylori infection.