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The Immune Response and IBD

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. The GI tract normally contains harmless bacteria, many of which aid in digestion. The immune system usually attacks and kills foreign invaders, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms. Under normal circumstances, the harmless bacteria in the intestines are protected from such an attack. In people with IBD, these bacteria are mistaken for harmful invaders and the immune system mounts a response. Cells travel out of the blood to the intestines and produce inflammation (a normal immune system response). However, the inflammation does not subside, leading to chronic inflammation, ulceration, thickening of the intestinal wall, and eventually causing patient symptoms. Because of its importance, CCFA funds a significant amount of research about immune response – in fact, in 2015, we provided more than $7 million in grants specifically on this subject. The goal of this research is to understand as much as possible about IBD, its triggers, and the immune responses within both the healthy and unhealthy gut. Understanding the inappropriate immune response in IBD patients will yield to better treatments, new medication options, and cures.