Can a diminished GATA-3 expression contribute to Th1 polarization in Helicobacter pylori-induced gastritis?

Thelper type I (ThI) cells have been implicated in the pathogenesis of H. pylori- associated gastritis. Molecular mechanisms involved in the H. pylori-induced ThI polarisation remain however unknown. Within committed ThI and Th2 cells, distinct cytokines are expressed and others silenced in reciprocal patterns. Critical transcription factors implicated in this process include GATA-3, which is sufficient to program Th2 specific gene expression. In this study, we demonstrated that GATA-3 was expressed at lower levels in H. pylori-infected gastric mucosa. Accordingly, H. pylori eradication resulted in an increased expression of GATA-3 along with reduced levels of ThI cytokines. These data suggest that a decreased expression of GATA-3 can contribute to the ThI polarisation in the H. pylori-associated gastritis.