Helicobacter pylori Modulates the Lifespan and Cell Death Mechanisms of Human Neutrophils
Registration |
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Hosted by the Microbiology and Immunology department. Light refreshments will be served. |
Target Audience
Des Moines University faculty, staff, and students.
Purpose
Helicobacter pylori infects the human stomach and causes a spectrum of disease that includes gastritis, peptic ulcers, and gastric adenocarcinoma. A chronic, neutrophil-rich inflammatory response characterizes this infection. Dr. Whitmore's research demonstrates that neutrophils infected with H. pylori display cell surface changes and have a significantly longer lifespan. Moreover, preliminary data suggest that H. pylori-infected neutrophils may generate neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), incrementally releasing their DNA into the extracellular space where it can be used by H. pylori as a purine source. H. pylori may therefore exploit neutrophil lifespan plasticity and alternative cell death mechanisms as part of a virulence strategy to create a milieu that favors bacterial persistence.
Learning Objectives
- Recognize the importance of studying neutrophil and H. pylori interactions, especially in the context of increasing antibiotic resistance.
- Distinguish between normal neutrophil cell death by apoptosis and atypical neutrophil death such as observed in H. pylori-infected neutrophils.
Speaker
Laura C. Whitmore, PhD
Inflammation Program, University of Iowa

Des Moines University is located on a 22-acre campus in the heart of Des Moines, Iowa. Just west of downtown on Grand Avenue, the University is located in one of Des Moines' most prestigious neighborhoods. The campus is in a historic neighborhood filled with tree-lined streets and gracious older homes and businesses. Its central location makes it easy to access the rest of the city and outlying communities. The campus is close to the Des Moines International Airport, located on the bus line and just blocks from local shopping and downtown Des Moines.
Available Credit
- 1.00 CE Contact Hour(s)