Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026
08:42
A Novel Human Epithelial Enteroid Model of Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Published on: April 10, 2019
8.3K
The immunological landscape in necrotising enterocolitis.
Steven X Cho1, Philip J Berger1, Claudia A Nold-Petry1
1Ritchie Centre,Hudson Institute of Medical Research,Melbourne,Australia.
Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine
|June 25, 2016
Summary
Necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe intestinal disease in preterm infants driven by immune system dysregulation. Understanding NEC
Area of Science:
- Neonatal immunology
- Gastrointestinal disease research
- Inflammatory pathways
Background:
- Necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) is a critical intestinal inflammatory condition affecting premature infants.
- High mortality rates (up to 65%) are linked to sepsis and multi-organ failure.
- Current NEC treatments are limited due to poor understanding of its pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the immunological landscape of NEC.
- To explore the role of innate and adaptive immune mediators in NEC pathogenesis.
- To discuss the clinical implications of immune dysregulation in NEC.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of immunological factors in NEC.
- Analysis of pro-inflammatory and counter-regulatory immune mediators.
- Examination of systemic immunity regulation in NEC.
Main Results:
- NEC involves increased pro-inflammatory mediators like Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4, nuclear factor-κB, and various interleukins (IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β).
- Deficiencies in counter-regulatory mechanisms, including IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), contribute to NEC.
- IL-1Ra, IL-6, IL-8, and TGF-β1 show potential as biomarkers for NEC.
Conclusions:
- NEC pathogenesis is characterized by a profoundly dysregulated immune system.
- Further research into immune mediators and their regulation is crucial for developing effective NEC treatments.
- Identifying reliable biomarkers is key for early diagnosis and management of NEC.
Related Concept Videos
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...
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...