Anti-microbial peptides in inflammatory bowel disease

Abstract

Research into Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis has elucidated the multifactorial etiology and pathogenesis of these inflammatory bowel diseases. Anti-microbial peptides are produced by many cell types as part of the innate immunity. Aside from their anti-microbial properties, these peptides also have immunomodulatory effects. Abnormalities in anti-microbial peptide production and function have been discovered in patients suffering from inflammatory bowel disease. Products of a number of genes associated with the risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease apparently influence production and function of anti-microbial peptides. This thesis explores this connection between genetics, inflammatory bowel diseases and abnormal anti-microbial peptide production and function.