Modulation of Lymphocyte Proliferation Induced by Gastric MALT Lymphoma‐Associated <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> Strains

Abstract

Inhibition of T-cell proliferation may be of major importance in the gastric colonization and in the persistence of the infection. Furthermore, this inhibition may favor anarchical B-cell proliferation in vivo and predispose the host to gastric MALT lymphoma, whereas MALT-associated H. pylori strains do not appear to possess a specific capability to directly stimulate B-lymphocyte proliferation.