Understanding how Helicobacter pylori causes disease and how to block it
Official title: "Pathogenesis of Helicobacter pylori Infection"
Funded at Veterans Health Administration · NIH-11401616 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Scientists are studying how the stomach-dwelling bacteria H. pylori causes illness and how to stop it from using its outer proteins to grab nutrients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Health Administration NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2019 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX004447-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11401616 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with or at risk for H. pylori infection, including those with a history of ulcers or gastric cancer risk, could benefit from future therapies developed from these findings.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without H. pylori infection or those not connected to future therapeutic developments may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project explores specific proteins on the surface of H. pylori that help it attach to and obtain resources in the stomach. By mutating these proteins in lab models, the team aims to uncover how these bacteria acquire iron and nickel, which are essential for their survival. The work focuses on uncovering the mechanisms that could be targeted to prevent stomach infections and related diseases, including ulcers and gastric cancer. The research involves collaboration within the Veterans Health Administration to better understand how this pathogen behaves in humans and how to disrupt its life cycle.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new strategies to prevent or treat H. pylori infections and reduce the risk of ulcers and stomach cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that targeting bacterial surface proteins can affect infection pathways, supporting potential progress with this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Veterans Health Administration
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cover, Timothy L — Veterans Health Administration
- Study coordinator: Cover, Timothy L
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Genetic factors shaping Helicobacter pylori infection
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-
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-
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How H. pylori infection may cause stomach inflammation and early cancer changes
This project looks at how H. pylori infection together with an activated cancer-related gene (KRAS) changes stomach cells toward precancerous and cancerous states, mainly using mouse models.
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How H. pylori causes stomach infection and disease
This project looks at bacterial proteins that help H. pylori survive in the stomach to help people with H. pylori infections and related ulcers or cancer risk.
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Investigating how polyamines affect stomach cancer risk during H. pylori infection
This study is looking at how certain natural compounds in the stomach might affect inflammation and the risk of stomach cancer in people infected with Helicobacter pylori, and it aims to find new ways to help prevent cancer for those individuals.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.