Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 24, 2026
07:34
Induction of Intestinal Inflammation by Adoptive Transfer of CBir1 TCR Transgenic CD4+ T Cells to Immunodeficient Mice
Published on: December 16, 2021
3.3K
The Intersection of TNF, IBD and the Microbiome
Yava L Jones-Hall1, Cindy H Nakatsu2
1a Comparative Pathobiology Department, Purdue University , West Lafayette , IN , USA.
Gut Microbes
|March 5, 2016
Summary
Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) drives colitis, but gut microbiome differences may affect treatment response in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Understanding these interactions could lead to new IBD therapies.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Immunology
- Microbiome Research
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Pathogenesis
Background:
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is a chronic condition with complex causes.
- Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) inhibitors are effective IBD treatments but have limitations like adverse reactions and non-response.
- Patient responses to IBD treatment may be influenced by variations in gut microbiome composition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of TNF in acute colitis.
- To examine the association between gut microbiome composition, TNF production, and colitis severity.
- To explore potential links between host-microbiome interactions and IBD treatment outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a rodent model to study acute colitis.
- Analyzed differences in gut microbiome composition in relation to TNF levels and disease severity.
- Correlated microbiome variations with colitis induction and progression.
Main Results:
- Confirmed that TNF plays a role in driving acute colitis in the studied model.
- Observed distinct gut microbiome profiles associated with TNF production and varying colitis severity.
- Identified potential links between specific microbial communities and disease characteristics.
Conclusions:
- Host-microbiome interactions are significantly associated with TNF-driven colitis.
- Gut microbiome differences may contribute to variable responses to TNF-targeted therapies in IBD.
- Further research into these interactions may reveal novel therapeutic strategies for IBD.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Introduction to the Human Microbiota
34
Microorganisms colonize various regions of the human body, including the mouth, nasal passages, throat, stomach, intestines, urogenital tract, and skin. The total number of microbial cells is estimated to range from 10¹³ to 10¹⁴—comparable to, or exceeding, the number of human somatic cells. This host–microbiome relationship has led to the conceptualization of humans as supraorganisms, wherein microbial communities perform vital roles in development, immunity,...
34
01:24Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF
728
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...
728
01:18Functions of the Gut Microbiota
14
The gut microbiota includes trillions of microorganisms that colonize the human gastrointestinal tract, including bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi. This complex ecosystem plays a critical role in maintaining intestinal and systemic health. Most of these microbes inhabit the large intestine, establishing a relatively stable and diverse community that contributes to gut homeostasis through various metabolic, immunological, and protective mechanisms.Dominant bacterial phyla, such as...
14
01:27Microbiota of the Large Intestine
8
The large intestine hosts the most densely populated microbial ecosystem in the human body. This complex community primarily consists of anaerobic bacteria, with Bacillota (formerly Firmicutes) and Bacteroidota (formerly Bacteroidetes) as the predominant groups. The distribution of these microbes varies along different sections of the large intestine, influenced by local environmental factors such as oxygen availability and nutrient composition.The cecum, located at the beginning of the large...
8
01:29Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Pharmacological Management
917
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...
917
01:27Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis
1.4K
Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
1.4K