Mechanisms underlying inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease is characterized by inflammation that results from the interaction between the various components of the mucosal immune system and the microenvironment. Luminal antigens, intestinal epithelial cells, T lymphocytes, cells of the innate and adaptive immune systems and their secreted mediators contribute to the initiation and perpetuation of gut inflammation in the genetically predisposed individuals. The progress in genetics and mucosal immunology over the past decade has brought new insights into understanding disease pathogenesis and the development of new therapeutic strategies.

Section editor:Yu-Xiao Yang – University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA