TLR2 variants and Helicobacter pylori: revisiting a controversial link

This meta-analysis refutes a consistent genetic association between TLR2 rs3804099 or del -196 to -174 polymorphisms and <i>H. pylori</i> infection. The findings suggest that host innate immunity variability alone does not explain differences in infection susceptibility among populations. Future studies integrating bacterial virulence genotypes and host immunogenetic profiles are warranted to delineate population-specific risk mechanisms.