Tehran University of Medical Sciences

Science Communicator Platform

Stay connected! Follow us on X network (Twitter):
Share this content! On (X network) By
Vacuolating Cytotoxin a (Vaca) and Extracellular Vesicles in Helicobacter Pylori: Two Key Arms in Disease Development Publisher



Rostami SFA1 ; Khaledi M2, 3 ; Dalilian F4 ; Mehboodi M5 ; Akbari A6 ; Abadi MSS2 ; Ataloo PK7 ; Mohsenipour Z8 ; Rastmanesh S9
Authors
Show Affiliations
Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Islamic Azad University Tehran-North Branch, Tehran, Iran
  2. 2. Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
  3. 3. Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
  4. 4. Department of Microbiology, Mashhad University of Bacic science, Mashhad, Iran
  5. 5. Department of Medical Microbiology (Bacteriology & Virology), Afzalipour Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
  6. 6. Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Qom branch, Islamic Azad University, Qom, Iran
  7. 7. Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Science, Ardabil, Iran
  8. 8. Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  9. 9. Department of Bacteriology and Virology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran

Source: Iranian Journal of Pathology Published:2025


Abstract

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-derived vesicles that play a critical role in host-pathogen interactions, facilitating intercellular communication and transporting both pathogen-and host-derived molecules during infection spread. To regulate their environment, for instance, by modulating innate and adaptive inflammatory immune responses, pathogens may alter the composition of EVs produced by infected cells. Gastric cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and Helicobacter pylori infection is considered a significant risk factor for its development. This cancer is characterized by significant inflammation mediated by EVs generated from infected host cells. H. pylori contributes substantially to inflammation, promoting disease progression. Moreover, H. pylori produces and releases vesicles known as outer membrane vesicles (H. pylori-OMVs), which contribute to the shrinkage and cellular transformation of the gastric epithelium. Although the vacuolating cytotoxin A (VacA) plays a critical role in pathogenesis, its association with EVs in H. pylori has not been previously addressed. Understanding the roles of extracellular vesicles and VacA during H. pylori infection—whether they benefit the host or the pathogen—could pave the way for new treatment approaches. This review briefly discusses the role of VacA and extracellular vesicles in the growth and pathogenesis of H. pylori. © 2025, Iranian Society of Pathology. All rights reserved.
Related Docs
View other Related Docs
1. Reciprocal Impact of Host Factors and Helicobacter Pylori Genotypes on Gastric Diseases, World Journal of Gastroenterology (2015)
2. Clinical Relevance of Helicobacter Pylori Virulence Factors in Iranian Patients With Gastrointestinal Diseases, Microbial Pathogenesis (2016)
3. Sequestration Inside the Yeast Vacuole May Enhance Helicobacter Pylori Survival Against Stressful Condition, Infection# Genetics and Evolution (2019)
4. Helicobacter Pylori Infection and Dietary Factors Act Synergistically to Promote Gastric Cancer, Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention (2016)
5. Role of Regulatory T-Cells in Different Clinical Expressions of Helicobacter Pylori Infection, Archives of Medical Research (2016)
6. Occurrence of Helicobacter Pylori and Its Major Virulence Genotypes in Dental Plaque Samples of Patients With Chronic Periodontitis in Iran, Gastroenterology and Hepatology from Bed to Bench (2017)
7. Autophagy Induced by Helicobacter Pylori Infection Can Lead to Gastric Cancer Dormancy, Metastasis, and Recurrence: New Insights, Human Cell (2024)
8. The Oncogenic Roles of Bacterial Infections in Development of Cancer, Microbial Pathogenesis (2020)
Experts (# of related papers)
View all Related Experts
Reza Malekzadeh (2)
Nima Rezaei (1)
Other Related Docs
9. Multiplex H. Pylori Serology and Risk of Gastric Cardia and Noncardia Adenocarcinomas, Cancer Research (2015)
10. Prevalence of Caga and Vaca Among Helicobacter Pylori-Infected Patients in Iran: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, Journal of Infection in Developing Countries (2015)
11. Vacuoles of Acanthamoeba Castellanii Behave As a Specialized Shelter (Host) for Helicobacter Pylori, Helicobacter (2015)
12. Biological Evidence of the Relationship Between Helicobacter Pylori and Associated Extragastric Diseases, Journal of Cellular Biochemistry (2019)
13. Impact of Helicobacter Pylori Infection on the Efficacy of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors for Cancer Treatment: A Meta-Analysis, Immunotherapy (2023)
14. Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Action of Carcinogens in Gastric Cancer With a Glimpse Into Targeted Therapy, Cellular Oncology (2022)
15. Emerging Role of Microbiota Derived Outer Membrane Vesicles to Preventive, Therapeutic and Diagnostic Proposes, Infectious Agents and Cancer (2023)
16. Evaluation of Helicobacter Pylori Genotypes in Obese Patients With Gastric Ulcer, Duodenal Ulcer, and Gastric Cancer: An Observational Study, Digestive Diseases (2022)