[Vaccination against H. pylori: an achievable goal]

Studies performed in different animal models have demonstrated the feasibility of vaccination as a means of preventing gastro-duodenal disease due to Helicobacter pylori infection in humans. Moreover, the results from phase I clinical trials have confirmed the safety of different vaccine preparations in humans, including those based on urease. Despite this, clinical studies to test the efficacy of prophylactic immunisation in a human challenge model have yet to be undertaken. The decreased prevalence of H. pylori infection in Western populations has even led some observers to query the benefits of developing a vaccine against this pathogen. This review will present the reasons justifying further research efforts aimed towards the development of an H. pylori vaccine, as well as the different factors that might influence the efficacy of such a vaccine. Finally, the use of novel approaches for the identification of new vaccine candidates will be discussed.