Lewis antigen   Related genes: futA; futB; neuA/flmD; neuB; Keywords: Molecular mimicry; Functions: The O-chain region of LPS express Lewis antigen that are also expressed in the gastric mucosa of humans. This antigenic mimicry may suppress an immune response against the bacteria, or allow it to adhere to the gastric mucosa or play a role in certain autoimmune aspects. References: Wang G, et al., 2000. Lewis antigens in Helicobacter pylori: biosynthesis and phase variation. Mol. Microbiol. 36(6):1187-1196. Moran AP, Prendergast MM, 2001. Molecular mimicry in Campylobacter jejuni and Helicobacter pylori lipopolysaccharides: contribution of gastrointestinal infections to autoimmunity. J. Autoimmun. 16(3):241-256. Mahdavi J, et al., 2003. Limited role of lipopolysaccharide Lewis antigens in adherence of Helicobacter pylori to the human gastric epithelium. Infect. Immun. 71(5):2876-2880. Terms Lewis antigen A system of soluble antigens in secretions and plasma that represents one of the serologically distinguishable human blood-group substances. Lewis specificities are carried on glycophingolipids and glycoproteins. Previous Back to Top Next