Stromal Cells in the Pathogenesis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Abstract

Up till now, research on inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] has mainly been focused on the immune cells present in the gastrointestinal tract. However, recent insights indicate that stromal cells also play an important and significant role in IBD pathogenesis. Stromal cells in the intestines regulate both intestinal epithelial and immune cell homeostasis. Different subsets of stromal cells have been found to play a role in other inflammatory diseases [e.g. rheumatoid arthritis], and these various stromal subsets now appear to carry out also specific functions in the inflamed gut in IBD. Novel potential therapies for IBD utilize, as well as target, these pathogenic stromal cells. Injection of mesenchymal stromal cells [MSCs] into fistula tracts of Crohn’s disease patients is already approved and used in clinical settings. In this review we discuss the current knowledge of the role of stromal cells in IBD pathogenesis. We further outline recent attempts to modify the stromal compartment in IBD with agents that target or replace the pathogenic stroma.

Stromal cells in tertiary lymphoid structures: Architects of autoimmunity

“…Those markers have been largely used to define distribution and expansion of fibroblast and mural cells in the context of cancer and inflammation both in humans and mice 29,95 . Diseases explored to date include rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease, in particular ulcerative colitis (UC) 15,29,96–99 …”

Fibroblast Subsets in Intestinal Homeostasis, Carcinogenesis, Tumor Progression, and Metastasis

“…First, to provide some context on (cancer-associated) fibroblasts in neoplastic disease, we will briefly discuss the characteristics and functions of intestinal (myo) fibroblasts in physiology. As summarized in several excellent reviews [ 16 , 17 , 18 , 26 ], fibroblasts are phenotypically heterogeneous and contribute to intestinal homeostasis via multiple mechanisms ( Figure 1 A). They are mainly known for their role in ECM remodeling, which is essential for maintaining the structural integrity of the intestinal mucosa [ 17 , 22 , 27 ].…”

“…However, a major challenge hampering progress in the field of CAF research is the lack of precision of fibroblast-specific markers (i.e., markers which can identify all the different fibroblast subsets and which are also not expressed in any other cell type) [ 13 ]. This has led to inconsistent definitions and nomenclature across studies on (cancer-associated) fibroblasts [ 16 ]. For our review, we have adopted the recommendations of a 2020 consensus statement on fibroblast research [ 13 ].…”

Polyherbal formulation Anoac‑H suppresses the expression of RANTES and VEGF for the management of bleeding hemorrhoids and fistula

“…Hemorrhoids and fistulas are associated with inflammation. Different types of cells, such as macrophages, neutrophils, and fibroblasts, are present in the inflammatory environment of hemorrhoids and fistulas (8,15,(20)(21)(22). Natural remedies for hemorrhoids and fistula, including laxatives, analgesics and anti-inflammatory agents, have drawn much attention recently due to their relatively higher effectiveness, low cost and lower invasiveness (23,24).…”