A research team from the Ateneo de Manila University is pursuing an ambitious goal: to develop a vaccine that could prevent stomach ulcers and related diseases.
Scientists from the Department of Biology under the Ateneo School of Science and Engineering are focusing their efforts on Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium known for causing painful ulcers and increasing the risk of stomach cancer.
Their 2025 research found that 60% of the global population carries the microbe, often without symptoms. Over time, the infection can lead to serious gastrointestinal problems if left untreated.
Using Computational Tools to Speed Up Vaccine Discovery
To identify possible vaccine components, the team is turning to “immunoinformatics,” a branch of computational biology that uses computer models to predict how the immune system might respond to different proteins.
By running thousands of H. pylori gene sequences through these programs, researchers can spot which bacterial proteins are both safe and capable of triggering immune protection. This process dramatically reduces the time and cost of traditional lab-based vaccine development.
“It’s like using a digital microscope to find the best vaccine candidates before even stepping into the lab,” one researcher explained. “It allows us to focus only on the most promising targets.”
Aiming for a Breakthrough in Stomach Health
There is currently no approved vaccine for H. pylori, although studies around the world continue to explore the possibility. Ateneo’s project adds to this growing global effort and could become a key milestone if laboratory testing confirms their predictions.
The researchers plan to begin experimental validation soon. Should their approach prove effective, it could mark a major advance in preventing stomach ulcers and reducing the risk of stomach cancer, offering hope to millions affected by the infection worldwide.
