Insights from mouse models of colitis

Emerging studies using mouse models of experimental colitis are defining the nature of the immunological disturbances that initiate inflammation and destruction of the intestine. A better understanding of disease-promoting and -suppressing CD4(+) T cells is providing insight into the mechanisms controlling immune responses within the intestinal compartment. Moreover, a role for distinct T cell populations, including intraepithelial gamma delta T cells, in maintaining the physical integrity of the intestine was suggested by recent studies. Cytokine gene-knockout mice and anti-cytokine treatments remain important tools to define the pro- and anti-inflammatory functions of cytokines, These advances are fostering the design and evaluation of new therapeutic approaches that may eventually be applied to treat human inflammatory bowel disease.