The Th1 immune pathway as a therapeutic target in Crohn's disease.
Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract, characterized by overactive T-helper (Th)1-mediated responses towards resident bacterial flora in genetically susceptible individuals. Biotechnological methodology has allowed the development of therapeutic compounds that specifically target single, well-defined pathways, thereby inhibiting abnormal Th1 polarization. These therapies include antibody-based, as well as nucleic-acid related approaches that target various pro-inflammatory cytokines, as well as intracellular signaling pathways. This review summarizes treatments already in clinical use and discusses novel targets that offer additional therapeutic opportunities in the management of CD.
Bamias
Giorgos
G
Digestive Health Center of Excellence, University of Virginia Health System, PO Box 800708, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
Sugawara
Kazuhiko
K
Pagnini
Cristiano
C
Cominelli
Fabio
F
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D016764:Cell Polarity / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003424:Crohn Disease / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D018417:Th1 Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents