The expression of epithelial butyrophilin 1 and 6 (Btnl), which helps maintain T cells found within the intestinal epithelium, is decreased weeks before the onset of inflammation in a model of Crohn's disease-like ileitis. Photo courtesy of Science Immunology.
New study shows that dysfunction of protective immune cells in GI tract may contribute to onset of inflammation in Crohn’s disease
A research team led by Mount Sinai has uncovered mechanisms of abnormal immune cell function that may lead to Crohn’s disease, according to findings published in Science Immunology on March 21. The researchers said their discovery provides better understanding of disease development and could inform the development and design of new therapies to prevent inflammation before it starts in the chronic disorder.