Host defensin (human β-defensin [beta-defensin] 3) regulation by Helicobacter pylori

The aims of the study were to identify potential effector molecule that can counteract H. pylori as well as to decipher the mechanisms that contribute to evasion of human innate immune system by this bacterium, which possibly explaining the failure of adaptive immunity in clearing this infection. Recent studies suggest defensins as the effector arms of innate immunity. Therefore, the antimicrobial activities of multiple human ß-defensins on H. pylori were assessed. The complex interplay between the ß-defensins and H. pylori was also investigated. Moreover, defensins are also known as effector molecules that bridge innate and adaptive immunity, thus, the mechanisms which potentially link the evasion of innate immunity on the failure of adaptive immunity to clear H. pylori infection were further postulated. In addition, this study was aimed to coherently engage multiple scientific techniques and biological models, in fact it is important to point out, this study was aspired to verify the in vitro cell lines results with the ex vivo human primary cells infection model (First of Its Kind) that was newly established in our Department.