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World J Gastroenterol. Feb 7, 2011; 17(5): 547-556
Published online Feb 7, 2011. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v17.i5.547
Recent advances in cytokines: Therapeutic implications for inflammatory bowel diseases
Guillaume Bouguen, Jean-Baptiste Chevaux, Laurent Peyrin-Biroulet
Guillaume Bouguen, Inserm UMR991, Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology, University Hospital of Rennes, Pontchaillou, 35000 Rennes, France
Jean-Baptiste Chevaux, Laurent Peyrin-Biroulet, Inserm U954, Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology, University Hospital of Nancy, 54511 Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, France
Author contributions: Bouguen G wrote the first draft of the paper; Chevaux JB and Peyrin-Biroulet L revised the manuscript.
Correspondence to: Laurent Peyrin-Biroulet, MD, PhD, Professor, Inserm U954, Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology, University Hospital of Nancy, Allée du Morvan, 54511 Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, France. peyrin-biroulet@netcourrier.com
Telephone: +33-3-83153631 Fax: +33-3-83153633
Received: March 1, 2010
Revised: March 22, 2010
Accepted: March 29, 2010
Published online: February 7, 2011
Abstract

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are complex and chronic disabling conditions resulting from a dysregulated dialogue between intestinal microbiota and components of both the innate and adaptive immune systems. Cytokines are essential mediators between activated immune and non-immune cells, including epithelial and mesenchymal cells. They are immunomodulatory peptides released by numerous cells and these have significant effects on immune function leading to the differentiation and survival of T cells. The physiology of IBD is becoming a very attractive field of research for development of new therapeutic agents. These include cytokines involved in intestinal immune inflammation. This review will focus on mechanisms of action of cytokines involved in IBD and new therapeutic opportunities for these diseases.

Keywords: Inflammatory bowel disease; Ulcerative colitis; Crohn’s disease; Cytokine; Pathophysiology; Biological therapy