In silico analysis of H. pylori via immunoinformatics (IMAGE)
Caption
Scientists from the Ateneo de Manila University’s Department of Biology are developing a potential vaccine against Helicobacter pylori, the bacterium responsible for most stomach ulcers and a major cause of stomach cancer worldwide. Using a cutting-edge approach called immunoinformatics, which combines computer science and immunology, the research team analyzed thousands of H. pylori gene sequences to identify specific proteins that help the pathogen survive stomach acid, attach to the stomach lining, and evade the immune system. Their computational analysis pinpointed several safe, non-allergenic protein regions that could trigger a protective immune response, offering promising vaccine targets. While still at the simulation stage, the study represents a significant step toward the world’s first H. pylori vaccine, which could help prevent stomach ulcers and lower cancer risk if future laboratory testing confirms the findings.
Credit
Chacon et al., 2025
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CC BY-NC-ND