Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects millions of people worldwide. Current therapy based on long term anti-inflammatory medication causes a substantial socio-economic burden and a reduction in patient quality of life.
The intestinal lumen is lined with a single layered epithelium that protects the body from contents of the lumen such as pathogens. As integrity of the epithelium is essential for good health, complete healing of the lining is crucial and can be made possible by anti-inflammatory drugs. Unfortunately, on top of sometimes unpleasant side-effects, groups of patients do not respond to this standard therapy.
Further information: Tissue regeneration mechanism in inflammatory bowel disease