Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 24, 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
Immunomodulator therapy in inflammatory bowel disease
1Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, UCLA School of Medicine 90048.
Digestive Diseases and Sciences
|September 1, 1994
Summary
Immunomodulator therapies like azathioprine help treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by altering the immune system. New therapies aim for better efficacy and fewer side effects in IBD management.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) pathogenesis involves the mucosal immune system.
- Current immunomodulator therapies include azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine, cyclosporine, and methotrexate.
- These agents are crucial for refractory or intolerant IBD patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of current immunomodulator therapies in IBD.
- To discuss the limitations and toxicities of existing treatments.
- To highlight the development of novel immune-modifying therapies for IBD.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical trials and therapeutic roles of immunomodulators.
- Analysis of efficacy and toxicity profiles of current agents.
- Exploration of emerging therapies targeting molecular pathways.
Main Results:
- Immunomodulators are effective in inducing and maintaining remission for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
- Significant toxicities, risks of malignancy, and infection limit current therapies.
- Newer agents targeting cytokines and T-cell activation show promise.
Conclusions:
- Current immunomodulators offer therapeutic benefits but have limitations.
- Understanding IBD's molecular basis drives the development of targeted therapies.
- Future treatments aim for improved efficacy and reduced toxicity in IBD management.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Drugs for Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis in IBD
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory condition primarily affecting the colon and rectum. The primary drugs used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis are aminosalicylates. They exhibit anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. They modulate inflammatory mediators and inhibit the activity of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). Aminosalicylates also reduce inflammation by inhibiting prostaglandin and leukotriene production and decreasing neutrophil chemotaxis and superoxide generation.
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...
01:24Drugs 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),...
01:21Drugs 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),...
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy
Various diagnostic tests are employed in the diagnostic process for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), particularly to differentiate between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the colonic...
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the colonic...
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...