Tackling Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Targeting Proinflammatory Cytokines and Lymphocyte Homing

Abstract

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are characterized by chronic inflammatory disorders that are a result of an abnormal immune response mediated by a cytokine storm and immune cell infiltration. Proinflammatory cytokine therapeutic agents, represented by TNF inhibitors, have developed rapidly over recent years and are promising options for treating IBD. Antagonizing interleukins, interferons, and Janus kinases have demonstrated their respective advantages in clinical trials and are candidates for anti-TNF therapeutic failure. Furthermore, the blockade of lymphocyte homing contributes to the excessive immune response in colitis and ameliorates inflammation and tissue damage. Factors such as integrins, selectins, and chemokines jointly coordinate the accumulation of immune cells in inflammatory regions. This review assembles the major targets and agents currently targeting proinflammatory cytokines and lymphatic trafficking to facilitate subsequent drug development.