Abstract: Helicobacter pylori (Hp), a Gram-negative bacterium, establishes enduring colonization in the human stomach by inducing immunoregulatory responses [1]. Due to its involvement in chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, and gastric cancer, researchers aim to prevent these conditions through novel, safe, and highly effective vaccines [2]. Microarray and RNA-seq techniques play crucial roles in aiding vaccinologists to identify novel vaccine-targeted antigens contributing significantly to the pathogenesis of various pathogens. In this study, we analyze microarray (GSE60427 and GSE123623) and RNA-seq (GSE164216) datasets from the NCBI GEO database. After quality control using R program Bioconductor packages, principal component analysis assesses sample uniformity within each dataset. The Limma package conducts statistical analysis, and a Venn diagram identifies common differentially expressed virulence genes (DEVGs). Kaplan-Meier plotter assesses the correlation between gene expression and survival outcomes. High-throughput transcriptome analysis of 48 samples reveals 24 significantly upregulated and 23 downregulated genes (adj.P.val < 0.01 and |log2 FC| > 2). Top less-annotated genes (HP1167 and HP1440) were identified in the upregulated list, and (HP1588 and HP0415) in the downregulated list, with predicted key roles in bacterial pathogenicity, proposing them as notable vaccine antigens. Genes like dppA, gpsA, pdxJ, rnhB, tagD (downregulated), and flgK, flaA, cag7, fliD, flag (upregulated) were discovered as known antigens in bacterial invasion pathways. GeneCards and KEGG pathway databases indicate their significant molecular function in pathogenicity-related pathways, suggesting them as vaccine targets in subsequent in silico and experimental studies. This study not only provides valuable insights into the molecular signatures associated with Hp’s pathogenicity but also highlights their potential for developing prophylactic interventions in clinical settings.
