Disrupting Immune Responses to Reverse Fibrosis
Intestinal fibrosis is a significant complication affecting over 35% of patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Crohn's Disease (CD). Chronic inflammation within the intestinal tract triggers fibroblast overproduction of collagen, leading to luminal narrowing and obstruction. Despite advances in IBD treatment, the incidence of stricture formation remains high, indicating that current therapies may not adequately address the fibrotic process.
This research aims to elucidate the specific immune pathways that drive intestinal fibrosis in IBD. By understanding these mechanisms, we can develop novel inhibitory therapies to halt or even reverse the progression of fibrosis, improving the quality of life for patients with IBD