Pathogenesis of Crohn's disease

摘要

Crohn's disease (CD) is an indolent chronic inflammatory disorder that may affect the entire alimentary tract with inflammation through all layers of the intestine. The aetiology is unknown, although there is mounting evidence that the condition represents an abnormal mucosal response to unknown luminal antigens. Therapy largely comprises non-specific immunosuppression, and surgery as a last resort. CD and ulcerative colitis (UC) share several pathological and clinical features, despite suggestions that the underlying immunopathogenic mechanisms are different.