Nucleolin as cell surface receptor for tumor necrosis factor-α inducing protein: a carcinogenic factor of Helicobacter pylori

Purpose Tumor necrosis factor-α inducing protein (Tipα) is a unique carcinogenic factor released from Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Tipα specifically binds to cells and is incorporated into cytosol and nucleus, where it strongly induces expression of TNF-α and chemokine genes mediated through NF-κB activation, resulting in tumor development. To elucidate mechanism of action of Tipα, we studied a binding protein of Tipα in gastric epithelial cells.