AXL: A novel therapeutic target in IBD

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology and Molecular Biology
• Oncology
• Immunology

Background:

• Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) present significant clinical challenges, necessitating new therapeutic targets.
• AXL receptor tyrosine kinase plays a role in IBD pathogenesis, including epithelial changes, immune response modulation, proliferation, and fibrosis.
• Current AXL inhibitor research primarily focuses on cancer, with limited exploration in IBD contexts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review preclinical data on AXL's role in IBD, colitis-associated carcinoma, and fibrostenotic complications.
• To highlight AXL as a potential therapeutic target for IBD and its sequelae.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing preclinical research on AXL in the context of IBD and related conditions.
• Synthesis of data on AXL's cellular functions relevant to IBD pathogenesis.

Main Results:

• AXL is implicated in key pathological processes in IBD, such as epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and fibrogenic signaling.
• AXL influences immune responses, including those mediated by Toll-like receptors and natural killer cells.
• Preclinical evidence suggests AXL's involvement in colitis-associated carcinoma and fibrostenotic complications.

Conclusions:

• AXL is a promising therapeutic target for inflammatory bowel diseases and their complications.
• Targeting AXL may offer a novel strategy for managing IBD, colitis-associated carcinoma, and fibrostenosis.
• Further investigation into AXL inhibitors for IBD treatment is warranted based on preclinical findings.