Pathophysiological functions of the CagA oncoprotein during infection by Helicobacter pylori

Infection with Helicobacter pylori cagA-positive strains plays an essential role in the development of gastric carcinoma. This review summarizes the pathophysiological functions of the cagA gene product, CagA, particularly focusing on the molecular mechanisms underlying CagA translocation into the host cells as well as CagA-mediated deregulation of host cell signaling.