T cell responses in Helicobacter pylori - Associated gastroduodenal diseases

Abstract

Gastric cancer is associated with Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection and its development follows a precancerous cascade. Accompanying this is chronic inflammation in the gastric environment which is associated with a significant Th17 response. These responses are triggered upon infection with HP and it is demonstrated here that these responses persist up to a period of 10 years after the infection has been cleared. This persistent inflammation is also characterized by the presence other pro-inflammatory cytokines, and is also associated with precancerous lesions in the gastric mucosa. This thesis establishes the association between chronic inflammation and precancerous lesions and describes the characteristics of this inflammation - the types of cells that are involved and the cytokines that are produced. In vitro studies also provide insight into possible mechanisms by which the chronic inflammation persists even after clearing the bacterial infection.