[Immunoproteomics of Helicobacter pylori--strategy for improvement of diagnostic tests and vaccine development].

Helicobacter pylori, Gram-negative spiral-shaped bacteria, member of epsilon-Proteobacteria, colonizes the gastric mucosa of humans. H. pylori has been identified as the causative agent of chronic inflammation, chronic gastritis and peptic ulceration and is considered a risk factor for the development of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma and adenocarcinoma of the stomach. Although more than 50% of human population is infected with H. pylori only a subset develops disease. The completion of two H. pylori genome sequences revealed the enormous strain heterogeneity and permitted comparative proteome analysis. Immunoproteomics, a novel strategy combining standard proteomics with immunological screening, is currently method of choice for identification of new antigens of diagnostic and protective values. Highly specific antigens will be used as biomarkers of different pathology induced by H. pylori infection whereas novel highly immunogenic, conserved, abundant and surface-located proteins will facilitate efficient anti-Helicobacter vaccine construction.