Multiparameter selection of Helicobacter pylori antigens identifies two novel antigens with high protective efficacy

Abstract

A multiparameter selection of Helicobacter pylori antigens for vaccine development identified 15 candidates, 6 of which are known protective antigens. Two novel antigens with low homology to other organisms (HP0231 and HP0410) were overexpressed and purified with high yields. Both confer protective immunity in the mouse Helicobacter infection model.

FIG. 1.

Expression and purification of recombinant H. pylori antigens as analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and silver staining. Lane 1, E. coli BL21; lane 2, E. coli BL21 expressing HP0231; lane 3, purified HP0231 from inclusion bodies; lane 4, E. coli BL21 expressing HP0410; lane 5, supernatant of E. coli BL21 expressing HP0410; lane 6, purified HP0410 from supernatant; lane 7, purified HP0410 from inclusion bodies. The positions of molecular mass markers (in kilodaltons) are indicated to the right of the gel.

FIG. 2.

Murine H. pylori stomach loads after oral immunization and an H. pylori P76 challenge. Combined results from two independent vaccination experiments are shown (a total of 10 mice tested for PBS; a total of 17 mice tested (each) for HP0231, HP0410, and lysate). The horizontal lines represent medians. Statistically significant differences compared to the values for the sham-immunized control group (PBS) were analyzed with the t test (∗, P < 0.005; ∗∗, P < 0.001; ∗∗∗, P < 0.0005).