Manipulation of host cholesterol by Helicobacter pylori for their beneficial ecological niche

Lipid rafts are mainly composed of phospholipids, sphingolipids, and cholesterol and dispersed in the cell membrane; these dynamic structures amplify signaling cues into the cells. A number of pathogens and virulence factors are found to favorably interact with lipid rafts as a major route to enter cells, followed by pathogenic effects. Helicobacter pylori, a gastric pathogen, subtly utilizes lipid rafts for its persistent inhabitation. In this review, we outline the underlying molecular mechanisms of the orchestration between membrane cholesterol and H. pylori as its infectious strategy. Understanding the particular niches for H. pylori-host equilibrium may provide novel approaches for the potential therapy of H. pylori infection.