Insights from mouse models of colitis

Abstract

Emerging studies using mouse models of experimental colitis are defining the nature of the immunological disturbances that initiate inflammation and destruction of the intestine. A better understanding of disease-promoting and -suppressing CD4+ T cells is providing insight into the mechanisms controlling immune responses within the intestinal compartment. Moreover, a role for distinct T cell populations, including intraepithelial gammadelta T cells, in maintaining the physical integrity of the intestine was suggested by recent studies. Cytokine gene-knockout mice and anti-cytokine treatments remain important tools to define the pro- and anti-inflammatory functions of cytokines. These advances are fostering the design and evaluation of new therapeutic approaches that may eventually be applied to treat human inflammatory bowel disease.