Immunological aspects of Helicobacter pylori infection

Host defence against Helicobacter pylori infection is a complex system of both specific and non-specific reactions. Among the non-specific defense mechanisms acting on bacteria before they reach the mucus layer in the stomach are digestive enzymes, lyzozyme, lactoferrin and other components with antimicrobal activity. The mucus layer is the final non-specific barrier against the bacteria reaching the gastric mucosa cells. On reaching the gastric mucosa Helicobacter pylori adheres to epithelial cells and bacterial antigens, chemotaxins and other components are liberated. Helicobacter pylori antigens are presented to immunate B lymphocytes, which interact with T-helper lymphocytes to become mature IgA-, IgD-, IgE-, IgG and Ig-M producing plasma cells. IgA dimers of secretory IgA are secreted through the gastric epithelium. IgE antibodies bind to basophils, which mature to histamine-producing mast cells. Histamine activates the acid production in the stomach and contributes to the chronic inflammation and tissue destruction. In addition, T lymphocytes are possible activated by Helicobacter pylori and contribute to the chronic inflammation.