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Elevated flagellin-specific immunoglobulins in Crohn's disease
Shanthi V Sitaraman1, Jan-Michael Klapproth, Daniel A Moore
1Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
American Journal of Physiology. Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology
|September 25, 2004
Summary
Common enteric flagellins are identified as targets of the immune response in Crohn's disease (CD). This finding suggests flagellins may drive both acute and chronic inflammation in CD patients.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Crohn's disease (CD) involves aberrant immune responses to gut microflora.
- Specific antigens driving CD-associated inflammation are largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify specific antigens targeted by the immune system in Crohn's disease.
- To investigate the role of enteric flagellins in CD pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of immune responses in Crohn's disease patients.
- Identification of targeted enteric antigens.
Main Results:
- Common enteric flagellins were identified as targets of the CD-associated immune response.
- Flagellins activate Toll-like receptor 5, contributing to acute inflammation.
- Flagellins also serve as targets for adaptive immunity, maintaining chronic inflammation.
Conclusions:
- Enteric flagellins are key players in both acute and chronic inflammation in Crohn's disease.
- Targeting flagellin-mediated immune responses could offer new therapeutic strategies for CD.