IBDase
Mucosal protease and their inhibitors in inflammatory bowel disease: From etiopathogenetic insight to innovative therapy
The IBDase project addresses the etiology and pathogenesis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), a multifactorial disease whose onset and course is influenced by environmental factors in a background of complex genetic susceptibility. The project envisages a multidisciplinary approach for innovative diagnosis and therapy focused on mucosal proteases and their inhibitors (P/PIs).
A crucial motivation for IBDase is the rising incidence of IBD over recent years, particularly among European children. Current therapies lack efficacy and specificity. Our goal is to identify human mucosal P/PI polymorphisms affecting expression levels and/or activity of P/PIs and analyse their genotype/phenotype associations in IBD patient cohorts across Europe. Molecular mechanisms for involvement of IBD specific P/PI gene variants in the inflammatory response will be proposed.
Therapeutics development will focus on specific inhibition or promotion of proteolysis in the intestinal mucosa, and select at least three validated P/PI of the intestinal mucosa for follow-up in clinical trials. Embracing the concept of tailoring treatment to individual patient to increase efficacy and reduce side-effects, IBDase strengthens international visibility of IBD related research, policies and industry and fosters IBD related research to the benefit of European society in both patient care and economic interest.
