Scientists at the Ateneo de Manila University in the Philippines are working to develop a vaccine to fight off the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, the primary cause of most stomach ulcers and a major risk factor for stomach cancer.
Their research, conducted by biologists from the Ateneo de Manila University School of Science and Engineering’s Department of Biology, uses a cutting-edge approach called “immunoinformatics” that combines computer science with immunology.
This analyzes the human body’s response to various H. pylori proteins to predict which parts of the pathogen can trigger a strong immune response, drastically speeding up the process of identifying vaccine candidates.
The team has identified key H. pylori proteins that allow the bacterium to survive stomach acid, adhere to the stomach lining and evade the immune system. Their analysis pinpointed specific parts of these proteins most likely to be safe, non-allergenic, and effective at activating protective immune cells.
For centuries, it was believed that stomach ulcers were caused by spicy foods or an unhealthy diet. However, researchers discovered that H. pylori—a common bacterium found in over 60 percent of the world’s population—was the real culprit behind the painful condition.
The Ateneo biologists involved in the research include Demy Valerie Chacon, Kiana Alika Co, Daphne Noreen Enriquez, Aubrey Love Labarda, Reanne Eden Manongsong and Edward Kevin Bragais.
While their findings are currently preliminary and based on computer simulations, the next steps will involve laboratory testing to validate the predictions.
To date, there are no approved vaccines against H. pylori. The Ateneo research, if successful, could lead to the world’s first such vaccine, offering a way to guard against stomach ulcers and cancer.
