Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Pathogenesis, Clinical Management, and Emerging Therapies

Dear Colleagues,

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to a group of chronic, immune-mediated disorders affecting the gastrointestinal tract, with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis being the most well-known and prevalent forms. While these conditions are characterized by distinct pathological and clinical features, they share complex etiological mechanisms involving genetic predisposition, immune dysregulation, environmental factors, and gut microbiota alterations. Beyond gastrointestinal involvement, IBD presents a complex disease picture, frequently associated with extraintestinal manifestations and other autoimmune disorders, underlining the systemic nature of IBD and its broader immunological implications.

The rising global prevalence of IBD presents a growing challenge for healthcare systems and significantly impacts patients' quality of life, with the relapsing–remitting nature of the disease, together with the multitude, intensity, and severity of symptoms, contributing to significant morbidity and healthcare-associated costs.

Despite significant advancements in our understanding of IBD pathophysiology, its heterogeneity continues to pose challenges in disease classification, prognosis, and treatment selection. The variability in disease course, response to therapy, and risk of complications highlights the need for personalized approaches to disease management. Advances in molecular profiling, biomarker discovery, and gut microbiome research have provided valuable insights into potential therapeutic targets, but many aspects of the disease’s pathogenesis remain incompletely understood.

Current treatment strategies focus on controlling inflammation, preventing complications, and improving long-term outcomes through the use of conventional therapies, biological agents, and small-molecule inhibitors. Nevertheless, treatment failure and the risk of adverse effects remain significant concerns. Additionally, the growing interest in non-pharmacological interventions—such as dietary modifications, microbiome-directed therapies, and lifestyle-based strategies—is opening up new avenues in adjunctive management.

This Special Issue will present recent advancements in IBD research, covering key aspects of pathogenesis, novel biomarkers, and disease-modifying factors. A major focus will be placed on optimizing clinical management, including conventional and emerging therapies such as biologics, small molecules, microbiome-targeted interventions, and lifestyle-based strategies. By covering the latest scientific insights, this Special Issue will help improve our understanding and management of this disease, allowing us to refine therapeutic approaches and ultimately enhance patient outcomes.

We hereby invite professionals to contribute original studies and comprehensive reviews that will advance our knowledge of IBD: its pathophysiology, diagnosis, and innovative treatment strategies.

Dr. Dana Crisan
Guest Editor

Dr. Vlad Dumitru Brata
Guest Editor Assistant

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• inflammatory bowel disease
• pathogenesis
• disease management
• emerging therapies