How do macrophages change in inflammatory bowel disease?

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a common and debilitating disorder, causing significant ill-health. In IBD, the normal functions of the immune system are not properly controlled; the cells and molecules that normally fight against infections then cause enormous damage. One of the most important molecules in this process is called tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα). Excessive production of TNFα by cells called macrophages is a critical factor driving disease. Our aim here is to apply recent advances generated in the host laboratory to understand how macrophages are altered and produce more TNFαin the intestines of patients with IBD.