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Pathogenesis and Molecular Therapy of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

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Guest Editor
Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
Interests: gut microbiome; gut barrier function; inflammatory bowel disease
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The intestinal epithelium plays a central role in maintaining gut homeostasis by serving as a physical and immunological barrier between the host and its luminal environment, including the microbiota. Disruption of epithelial integrity and impaired barrier function are hallmarks of various gastrointestinal diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), infectious colitis, and colorectal cancer. Recent advances have highlighted the complex interplay between epithelial cells, immune mediators, and microbial signals in shaping mucosal responses and driving pathophysiology.  

This Special Issue aims to bring together original research and comprehensive reviews that advance our understanding of epithelial biology, barrier regulation, and host–microbe interactions in the gut. We welcome studies focusing on molecular mechanisms of tight junction regulation, epithelial restitution, autophagy, mucosal immunity, microbiota-mediated modulation of epithelial functions, and novel therapeutic targets aimed at restoring barrier integrity. By integrating multidisciplinary insights, this Issue will provide a timely platform for researchers exploring the dynamic epithelial interface and its role in gastrointestinal health and diseases. 

Dr. Anoop Kumar
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • intestinal epithelial barrier
  • gut microbiota
  • tight junctions
  • inflammatory bowel disease
  • mucosal immunity
  • autophagy
  • epithelial restitution
  • host–microbe interaction
  • barrier dysfunction
  • gastrointestinal inflammation

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

25 pages, 3395 KB  
Review
Are All Cells Created Equal? Novel Cell-Based Regenerative Therapies in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
by Adam R. Peterson, Peter J. Eggenhuizen, Poh-Yi Gan, Charlotte Keung, Joshua Ooi, Gregory T. Moore and Rimma Goldberg
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(5), 2205; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27052205 - 26 Feb 2026
Viewed by 489
Abstract
Regenerative medicine, and in particular cell-based therapies, are under investigation as therapeutics in the management of inflammatory bowel disease, where despite significant advancements in management, prolonged remission is achieved in less than half of patients experiencing these disorders. In contrast to conventional immunomodulatory [...] Read more.
Regenerative medicine, and in particular cell-based therapies, are under investigation as therapeutics in the management of inflammatory bowel disease, where despite significant advancements in management, prolonged remission is achieved in less than half of patients experiencing these disorders. In contrast to conventional immunomodulatory medications, these therapies are hypothesised to act through multiple pathways including via regenerative mechanisms, which may enable them to break through the current therapeutic ceiling. Potential therapy candidates include mesenchymal stem cells, human amnion epithelial cells, and regulatory T-cells, as well as their derivatives including extracellular vesicles. Extensive preclinical studies have demonstrated the multi-modal nature of these therapies as well as shared and unique properties. Controversy remains regarding contradictory study outcomes and the efficacy of regenerative therapies in human trials. In this narrative review, we first examine the mechanisms of these candidate cell therapies, including signalling via cytokines and extracellular vesicles, and interactions with immune cells, stromal cells, and the microbiome to determine differences and similarities between them. The second part delves into the current state of regenerative and cell-based therapy, focusing on mesenchymal stem cell, human amnion epithelial cell, T regulatory cells, and their respective extracellular vesicles in IBD treatment. Finally, we close by identifying the major literature gaps and barriers to bringing regenerative medicines to clinical use, resulting in recommendations for future research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathogenesis and Molecular Therapy of Inflammatory Bowel Disease)
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