Helicobacter pylori attaches to NeuAc alpha 2,3Gal beta 1,4 glycoconjugates produced in the stomach of transgenic mice lacking parietal cells

Helicobacter pylori infection of the human stomach is associated with alter ed acid secretion, loss of acid-producing parietal cells, and, in some host s, adenocarcinoma. We have used a transgenic mouse model to study the effec ts of parietal cell ablation on H. pylori pathogenesis. Ablation results in amplification of the presumptive gastric epithelial stem cell and its imme diate committed daughters. The amplified cells produce sialylated oncofetal carbohydrate antigens that function as receptors for H. pylori adhesins. A ttachment results in enhanced cellular and humoral immune responses. NeuAc alpha 2,3Gal beta 1,4 glycoconjugates may not only facilitate persistent H. pylori infection in a changing gastric ecosystem, but by promoting interac tions with lineage progenitors and/or initiated cells contribute to tumorig enesis in patients with chronic atrophic gastritis.