Genetic Determinants of Autoimmune Gastritis

Autoimmune gastritis (AIG) is an immuno-mediated disease characterized by the production of antibodies to the parietal cells of the stomach, which leads to the loss of the internal Castle factor and decrease in the production of hydrochloric acid. Diagnosis of AIG remains difficult due to the lack of symptoms at early stages, ineffective or costly screening strategies, and incomplete established etiology. Patients with AIG are at high risk of developing malignant neoplasms and neuroendocrine tumors, and they would greatly benefit from any means to predict the likelihood of developing and the severity of a possible disease. Here, we aim to summarize data on the genetic nature of AIG. We will also describe the clinical picture of AIG, Helicobacter pylori association with it, and elaborate on the pathogenesis of the disease.