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Journal of Gastroenterology
Published in: Journal of Gastroenterology 1/2012

01-01-2012 | Review

Update on biologic pathways in inflammatory bowel disease and their therapeutic relevance

Authors: Matthew J. Hamilton, Scott B. Snapper, Richard S. Blumberg

Published in: Journal of Gastroenterology | Issue 1/2012

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Abstract

Results of recent genetic and immunologic studies have brought to the forefront several biologic pathways that allow for a better understanding of the mechanisms of tissue homeostasis, on the one hand, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) on the other. The explosion of research activity as a result of these newly identified targets is bringing the pathogenesis of these complex disorders into focus as well as creating new therapeutic opportunities. The greatest advances with perhaps the largest impact on our understanding of the etiology of Crohn’s disease are those related to bacterial sensing, such as through nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein 2 (NOD2) and its relationships to autophagy and the unfolded protein response as a consequence of endoplasmic reticulum stress. Interestingly, it appears as though these pathways, which are rooted in microbial sensing and regulation, are interrelated. Genetic studies have also renewed interest in previously studied pathways in IBD, such as the formation and function of the inflammasome and its relationship to interleukin (IL) 1-beta signaling. With the recent success of therapeutic agents designed to block tumor necrosis factor, the IL-12/23 pathways, and lymphocyte homing, insights have been gained into the biologic relevance and impact of these various inflammatory pathways in IBD. In this review, the exciting recent advances in these biologic pathways of IBD are discussed, particularly in light of their therapeutic relevance.
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Metadata
Title
Update on biologic pathways in inflammatory bowel disease and their therapeutic relevance
Authors
Matthew J. Hamilton
Scott B. Snapper
Richard S. Blumberg
Publication date
01-01-2012
Publisher
Springer Japan
Published in
Journal of Gastroenterology / Issue 1/2012
Print ISSN: 0944-1174
Electronic ISSN: 1435-5922
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00535-011-0521-8

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