Attachment of Helicobacter pylori to Human Gastric Epithelium Mediated by Blood Group Antigens

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Abstract
Helicobacter pylori is associated with development of gastritis, gastric ulcers, and adenocarcinomas in humans. The Lewis b (Le b ) blood group antigen mediates H. pylori attachment to human gastric mucosa. Soluble glycoproteins presenting the Le b antigen or antibodies to the Le b antigen inhibited bacterial binding. Gastric tissue lacking Le b expression did not bind H. pylori . Bacteria did not bind to Le b antigen substituted with a terminal GalNAcα1-3 residue (blood group A determinant), suggesting that the availability of H. pylori receptors might be reduced in individuals of blood group A and B phenotypes, as compared with blood group O individuals.