Inflammation, immunity, and vaccines for Helicobacter infection.

Pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-18, IFN-gamma, and IL-1beta play a significant role in the inflammation induced by Helicobacter. During the recent years of H. pylori research, the main focus has been on development of vaccines for therapeutic or prophylactic use against the infection. Both bacterial components of H. pylori as well as engineered vaccines have been tested as well as different forms of administration including systemic and oral/intranasal pathways.