Type Ⅳ secretion system in Helicobacter pylori:a new insight into pathogenicity

<正> Objective To review the research progress on Type Ⅳ secretion system(T4SS)in Helicobacterpylori.Data sources The data used in this review were identified by searching of PUBMED(1995-2007)online resourcesusing the key terms 'Type Ⅳ secretion system' and 'Helicobacterpylori'.Study selection Mainly original articles and critical reviews written by major pioneer investigators of this field wereselected.Results The research progress on T4SS in Helicobacter pylori was summarized.The structure and function wasdiscussed.Conclusions T4SS is not only involved in toxin secretion and injection of virulence factors into eukaryotic host targetcells,but also involved in horizontal DNA transfer to other bacteria and eukaryotic cells,through DNA uptake from orrelease into the extracellular milieu.It provides a new insight into the pathogenicity of Helicobacter pylori and a noveltarget for antimicrobials development.However,many challenges remain for us in understanding the biological role ofT4SS in Helicobacter pylori.