The Th1 immune pathway as a therapeutic target in Crohn's disease

Curr Opin Investig Drugs. 2003 Nov;4(11):1279-86.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic / therapeutic use*
  • Animals
  • Cell Polarity / drug effects
  • Cell Polarity / immunology
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Crohn Disease / drug therapy*
  • Crohn Disease / immunology
  • Gastrointestinal Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects
  • Signal Transduction / immunology
  • Th1 Cells / drug effects
  • Th1 Cells / immunology*

Substances

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic
  • Gastrointestinal Agents