Role of lipid rafts in persistent Helicobacter pylori infection: a narrative review

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The distribution of components in the cell membrane is not uniform, but is organized into specific functional microdomains, known as “lipid rafts”. These lipid rafts consist of cholesterol, sphingolipids, and various proteins. Studies have shown that lipid rafts contain multiple proteins that are closely related to signal transduction and immune response. Furthermore, lipid rafts are the sites where a variety of pathogens invade the cells, and are associated with the persistent infection of some pathogens, especially Helicobacter pylori (Hp). We are going to explore a new method to treat Hp by discussing the important role of lipid rafts in Hp persistent infection. METHODS: Papers on lipid rafts were retrieved to analyze the evolution of the definition of lipid raft, research techniques, and studies on the correlation of lipid rafts with pathogens infecting host cells. KEY CONTENT AND FINDINGS: Hp uses cholesterol-α-glucosyltransferase (CGT) to extract cholesterol from the lipid rafts of host cell membrane and destroys the integrity of the lipid rafts, which contributes to its immune escape; Using drugs to inhibit the destruction of lipid rafts by CGT can inhibit the growth of Hp and help the body clear Hp. CONCLUSIONS: Lipid rafts are key to persistent Hp infection, and a new field of research on pathogen-host cell interactions and signal transduction. Researches on lipid rafts may promote a new breakthrough in the field of treatment of Hp.