Moreover, the effect of VacA find more on apoptosis of insect hemocytes is consistent with a previous study showing that VacA induces cell death in gastric epithelial cells [15,48] and inhibits dendritic cell maturation in neonatally infected mice [18]. Therefore, based on the data shown herein, we have identified specific bacterial virulence factors such as CagA, cag PAI components and

VacA, which are able to evade host response of insect larvae. A limitation of this study is that the strains used in our experiments differ in origins and lab passages. This might cause the various H. pylori mutants have additional uncharacterized differences compared to the single wildtype parental strain see more used. However, we were able to compare and duplicate the effect of mutants in identical genes, i.e. cagA and cagE, in two distinct genetic backgrounds, i.e. G27 strain versus 60190 strain. This issue might more properly be addressed by comparing the killing activity in G. mellonella larvae of several datasets of wild-type and isogenic mutants displaying different genetic backgrounds. Based on the data shown herein, we

hypothesize that CagA is injected into haemocytes via a type IV secretion system. Further studies will be necessary to demonstrate this hypothesis. The NFkB pathway, which has been demonstrated to be activated by CagA and cagPAI components during apoptosis of mammalian monocytes [2] and which is expressed in G. mellonella larvae [25], should be analyzed in hemocytes following H. pylori infection. In addition to the effects on hemocyte apoptosis, it should be interesting to study if H. pylori is able to colonize selleck chemical and induce damage to the midgut of G. mellonella larvae, as has been recently demonstrated for C. jejuni [36]. The above all experiments should be the

matter of a future investigation. Conclusions In conclusion, the model of G. mellonella larvae described herein represents a reliable and inexpensive model of H. pylori infection. Although the G. mellonella infection model cannot replace well-established and more “physiological” in vivo experimental models in the assessment of pathogenic mechanisms underlying H. pylori-related human diseases, it could be of use, and less expensive, for the evaluation of the effect of H. pylori virulence factors on specific cell functions. This experimental model may reduce dependence on mammalian infection models and provide several applications for the Helicobacter research community such as the ability to distinguish between virulent and non-virulent H. pylori isolates, the identification of putative virulence genes through comparative genomics studies and the identification of novel molecular targets for antimicrobial therapy and vaccine development.