De Rol van Myeloïde Cellen in de Context van Darmontsteking

The research focuses on elucidating the role of macrophages in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis, which are chronic inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. CD, in particular, is associated with recurrent flares and progressive tissue damage, often leading to complications such as fibro-stenosis, which significantly impairs gut function and requires lifelong treatment. This study identified a subset of inflammatory monocytes expressing CD150, a surface marker associated with monocyte activation during inflammation. These CD150+ monocytes were shown to contribute to the differentiation of pathological fibroblasts, which drive fibro-stenosis by promoting excessive scarring in the intestine. To better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the induction of CD150+ monocytes and their role in fibroblast activation, an in vitro model was developed. The findings indicate that CD150 may play a role in the inflammatory signaling cascade potentially worsening intestinal damage during CD. Further, the research investigated dietary modulation as a potential therapeutic approach for IBD. In collaboration with the University of Naples, the study examined TRPM8, an ion channel implicated in inflammation, as a target for intervention. Luteolin, a natural TRPM8 antagonist, was identified and shown to modulate macrophage functions, reducing intestinal inflammation and promoting pro-resolving macrophage differentiation both in vitro and in vivo. These findings provide new insights into the role of macrophages and dietary factors in IBD pathogenesis, offering potential avenues for the development of targeted therapies and dietary interventions aimed at mitigating disease progression and complications.