Immune therapy in inflammatory bowel disease and models of colitis.

Abstract

A proliferation of animal models has not only improved our understanding of inflammatory bowel disease, it has also formed the basis of new treatment strategies. A search was conducted using the National Library of Medicine for articles discussing immune therapies for inflammatory bowel disease. This was supplemented by findings from the authors' own laboratory. An overview of the different animal models is presented. These models are used to highlight the recent human trials of immune therapies. Potential future therapies are also discussed. Immune therapies have altered the management of patients with inflammatory bowel disease. In future they will influence not only the indications for surgery but also its timing and outcome.