H. Pylori bacteria that causes stomach ulcers may protect the brain from Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s (Jun 2025) Helicobacter pylori CagA protein is a potent and broad-spectrum amyloid inhibitor Other

[Michael Harrop]

• https://theconversation.com/alzheimers-bacteria-that-cause-stomach-ulcers-may-protect-the-brain-our-new-research-indicates-259018
• https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.ads7525

Our study has shown us that a fragment from the Helicobacter pylori protein can effectively block the buildup of the two proteins that are implicated in Alzheimer’s disease

What’s more, the benefits may extend beyond Alzheimer’s disease.

In additional experiments, the same bacterial fragment blocked the aggregation of IAPP (a protein involved in type 2 diabetes) and alpha-synuclein (linked to Parkinson’s disease). All of these conditions are driven by the accumulation of toxic amyloid aggregates.

That a single bacterial fragment could interfere with so many proteins suggests exciting therapeutic potential.

Our study also uncovered the underlying mechanisms for how CagAN blocked the amyloid-beta and tau from forming amyloid aggregates.

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Abstract​

Bacteria, the smallest and most abundant life forms on Earth, have been a source of insights that have had a considerable impact on human health. Helicobacter pylori has captured substantial attention due to its role in provoking an array of gastrointestinal ailments and other human diseases.

Here, we report that H. pylori releases the protein CagA (cytotoxin-associated gene A) that strongly inhibits formation of both functional (bacterial biofilm) and pathogenic amyloid assemblies by targeting various stages during fibril formation. CagA’s broad substrate specificity reveals a mechanism whereby H. pylori interferes with other bacteria and humans, offering approaches to combat bacterial infections and human protein misfolding diseases.

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