cag(+) Helicobacter pylori Induces Homotypic Aggregation of Macrophage-Like Cells by Up-Regulation and Recruitment of Intracellular Adhesion Molecule 1 to the Cell Surface

Infection with cag(+) but not cag-negative Helicobacter pylori leads to the formation of large homotypic aggregates of macrophage-like cells. Intracellular adhesion molecule 1 is up-regulated and recruited to the cell surface of infected cells and mediates the aggregation via lymphocyte function-associated molecule 1. This signaling may regulate cell-cell interactions and inflammatory responses.