Infection of humans with H. pylori produces a chronic gastritis that in some people can lead to the development of the associated pathologies.
Infection of humans with H. pylori produces a chronic gastritis that in some people can lead to the development of the associated pathologies. While some infected individuals develop serious pathologies others remain asymptomatic. This variability is due to a variety the complex interaction of different factors, including bacterial strain variation , diet and diet. Another key factor is the genetic makeup of the infected host genetics, which can heavily influence the immune response mounted against infection.
The IMP group is very interested in understanding the mechanisms of pathogenesis of Helicobacter infection. In particular we are examining the role of host genetic factors in regulating the severity of inflammation induced in response to these infections. Infection of the majority of mice with gastric Helicobacter also produces chronic gastritis. We have developed a model of Helicobacter infection where mice do not develop gastritis and this trait is dominantly inherited in offspring. Using this model we are studying the types of immune cells and mucosal mechanisms that regulate inappropriate immune responses to gastrointestinal infections and that are involved in the induction of immune tolerance. In addition, we are examining the impact of gender effects and the expression of mucins in the gastric mucosa on host susceptibility to Helicobacter-associated pathogenesis.
According to CAB