Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2026
08:37
Induction of Murine Intestinal Inflammation by Adoptive Transfer of Effector CD4+CD45RBhigh T Cells into Immunodeficient Mice
Published on: April 21, 2015
Cytokine blockade in inflammatory bowel diseases
Clémentine Perrier1, Paul Rutgeerts
1Division of Gastroenterology, University Hospital, Catholic University Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
Immunotherapy
|November 8, 2011
Summary
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) treatments face challenges with anti-TNF-α therapies. New strategies targeting cytokine pathways are needed to reduce inflammation and immunogenicity for better patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) involve chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation, with intestinal microbiota implicated in pathogenesis.
- Current biological therapies, like anti-TNF-α agents, have improved treatment but are limited by side effects and antidrug antibodies.
- There is a critical need for alternative therapeutic strategies to manage IBD effectively while minimizing immunogenicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review anti-TNF therapies and challenges associated with current monoclonal antibody treatments for IBD.
- To discuss innovative strategies targeting cytokine pathways for reducing intestinal inflammation.
- To summarize recently developed agents that neutralize proinflammatory cytokines.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on anti-TNF therapies and monoclonal antibody treatments for IBD.
- Analysis of novel therapeutic strategies targeting cytokine pathways, including small molecules, gene silencing, and oral delivery systems.
- Summary of emerging agents designed to neutralize specific proinflammatory cytokines.
Main Results:
- Anti-TNF-α agents offer benefits but have limitations including side effects and immunogenicity.
- Targeting other cytokine pathways (e.g., IL-12/IL-23, IFN-γ, IL-17A, IL-2, IL-6) has shown promise but lacks unequivocal efficacy.
- Regulatory cytokines like IL-10 and IL-11 have not consistently produced clinical effects.
Conclusions:
- Despite advancements, current biologic therapies for IBD face significant challenges.
- Innovative approaches targeting cytokine pathways are crucial for developing safer and more effective IBD treatments.
- Further research into novel neutralizing agents is essential to address unmet needs in IBD management.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF
Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF), a proinflammatory cytokine, contributes significantly to the inflammation seen in Crohn's disease. It exists as soluble TNF and membrane-bound TNF, with actions mediated through TNF receptors (TNFR). TNFR activation leads to the release of proinflammatory cytokines, T-cell activation, collagen production, and leukocyte migration, all contributing to inflammation in Crohn's disease. Anti-TNF monoclonal antibodies, namely infliximab (Remicade), adalimumab (Humira),...
01:29Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Pharmacological Management
Upon diagnosis, managing Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) involves addressing several crucial aspects. The primary goals include resting the bowel, correcting malnutrition, and providing symptomatic relief. Resting the bowel may consist of medications to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Correcting malnutrition is essential, often requiring dietary adjustments and nutritional supplements. Symptomatic relief aims to ease pain, diarrhea, and other discomforts in IBD.
Pharmacologic...
Pharmacologic...
01:29Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents
Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disorder marked by chronic inflammation of the GI tract. Various treatment strategies for Crohn's disease are employed, such as immunomodulatory agents, glucocorticoids, and biologics or anti-TNF therapy. Azathioprine (Imuran), a commonly used immunomodulatory drug for Crohn's disease, is converted in the body to mercaptopurine, which inhibits purine biosynthesis and cell proliferation. Both are utilized in severe cases of Inflammatory Bowel Disease...
01:21Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids
Glucocorticoids, a class of anti-inflammatory drugs, are pivotal in treating moderate to severe Crohn's disease by inducing remission. They exhibit their anti-inflammatory action by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1, and chemokines like IL-8. In addition, they reduce the expression of inflammatory cell adhesion molecules and inhibit gene transcription of nitric oxide synthase, phospholipase A2, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2),...
01:25Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease
Crohn’s disease is a chronic, relapsing form of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by segmental, transmural inflammation that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Its pathogenesis arises from a combination of genetic susceptibility, environmental exposures, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and immune dysregulation. Together, these factors lead to an exaggerated immune response against components of the gut microbiome.Genetic and Environmental InfluencesMultiple genetic...
01:20Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the colon characterized by continuous mucosal inflammation that typically begins in the rectum and extends proximally in a uniform pattern. Its pathogenesis involves a complex interplay of genetic predisposition, immune dysregulation, and environmental influences. These factors converge to impair the colon’s epithelial defenses and promote an exaggerated inflammatory response against luminal contents.Breakdown of the Mucosal BarrierA...