Helicobacter pylori adhesins: HpaA a potential antigen in experimental vaccines for H. pylori

Background: Helicobacter pylori is a gram-negative bacterium involved in many gastric pathologies such as ulcers and cancers. Although the treatment for this infection has existed for several years, the development of a vaccine is nevertheless necessary to reduce the severe forms of the disease. For more than three decades, many advances have been made particularly in the understanding of virulence factors as well as the pathogenesis of gastric diseases caused by H. pylori. Among these key virulence factors, specific antigens have been identified: Urease, Vacuolating cytotoxin A (VacA), Cytotoxin-associated gene A (CagA), Blood group antigen-binding adhesin (BabA), H. pylori adhesin A (HpaA), and others. Objectives: This review will focus on H. pylori adhesins, in particular, on HpaA and on the current knowledge of H. pylori vaccines. Methods: All of the information included in this review was retrieved from published studies on H. pylori adhesins in H. pylori infections. Results: These proteins, used in their native or recombinant forms, induce protection against H. pylori in experimental animal models. Conclusion: H. pylori adhesins are known to be promising candidate vaccines against H. pylori. Future research should be carried out on adhesins, in particular, on HpaA.