<i>Helicobacter pylori</i> CagA protein is a potent and broad-spectrum amyloid inhibitor.

Abstract

Bacteria, the smallest and most abundant life forms on Earth, have been a source of insights that have had a considerable impact on human health. <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> has captured substantial attention due to its role in provoking an array of gastrointestinal ailments and other human diseases. Here, we report that <i>H. pylori</i> releases the protein CagA (cytotoxin-associated gene A) that strongly inhibits formation of both functional (bacterial biofilm) and pathogenic amyloid assemblies by targeting various stages during fibril formation. CagA's broad substrate specificity reveals a mechanism whereby <i>H. pylori</i> interferes with other bacteria and humans, offering approaches to combat bacterial infections and human protein misfolding diseases.