A clinical investigation into the abnormal apoptotic response associated with Crohn's disease

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Crohn?s disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that can affect any part of the gut. The cause of this is unknown but thought to occur because of abnormal interaction between the gut bacteria and the body?s immune system. Professor Segal?s laboratory has recently provided evidence of an abnormal immune response to gut bacteria in patients with Crohn?s disease. In the process of this research into the immune response in patients with Crohn?s disease, we have identified an abnormality in the naturally occurring process termed ?programmed cell death? or apoptosis. Apoptosis is the process by which certain cells are removed for the body in order to maintain the well being of an individual. Abnormalities in apoptosis are seen in the development of cancers, but also in conditions in which there is a chronic inflammatory element. We believe that an abnormality in apoptosis in Crohn?s disease patients allows these cells to drive the chronic inflammation seen in the gut. The proposed research project will investigate the abnormal apoptotic response in Crohn?s disease in detail and will hopefully result in the identification of defective molecules and chemical pathways that control this process hopefully leading to the development of new treatment options.