Adherens junctions as targets of microorganisms: A focus on Helicobacter pylori

Mucosal epithelia are targeted by several microorganisms as a way of adhesion, internalization, and/or exploitation of the host properties to induce disease. Helicobacter pylori are worldwide prevalent bacteria that colonize the human stomach. Persistent infection of the gastric mucosa with H. pylori and concurrent chronic gastritis are risk factors for ulcer disease and gastric carcinoma. Therefore, interactions at the H. pylori–epithelial interface are important to understand the pathogenesis of these bacteria and the host responses that contribute to disease development. Here, we provide an overview of the interactions between microorganisms and the adherens junctions with an emphasis on H. pylori.