Research on Helicobacter pylori is exploring its effects on gastric epithelial cells, with a focus on the role of the VacA toxin in inducing cell death. The toxin appears to trigger autophagic cell death via the endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway, although other mechanisms, such as oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, may also be involved. The relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and gastric cancer is being investigated, with studies examining various cellular mechanisms and potential therapeutic strategies.