The formation of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) in response to Helicobacter pylori infection is closely associated with the development of primary gastric MALT lymphoma.
Aim: To examine whether immunisation against Helicobacter felis can protect against development of MALT lymphoma.
Results: The majority of control infected mice demonstrated MALT formation (13/15) and five developed lymphoma. Fifteen immunised mice were protected against bacterial challenge, of which only five had evidence of MALT formation and none developed lymphoma. Interestingly, of the four mice in which immunisation failed, all developed MALT and two of these had lymphoma.
Conclusion: Effective immunisation against Helicobacter infection can protect against gastric MALT lymphoma. To our knowledge this is the first demonstration of vaccination protecting against a bacteria-induced malignancy.