We have been studying the impact of a genetic change on the way immune cells called effector (Teff) and regulatory (Treg) T cells 'talk' to each other. We isolated Teff and Treg from blood samples provided by volunteers, and found that in individuals with the genetic change, the Teff were more sensitive to immune signalling.
We believe that this disturbs the balance between Treg/Teffs, and that the more 'aggressive' Teff in these subjects may be a target for a personalised treatment in Crohn's disease.
We are very grateful to the 48 individuals in the NIHR BioResource who provided blood and clinical information to enable us to undertake this work.
Further details about this study can be found in the Journal of Crohn's and Colitis publication here:
