IL-23 Gene for Crohn’s Disease

The gene encoding interleukin-23 (IL-23), a protein involved in inflammation and the immune response, may play a part in causing Crohn’s disease. Crohn’s disease affects the digestive tract and typically manifests itself in the lower part of the small intestine. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and frequent bowel movements.

Patients with Crohn’s disease are about one-fourth less likely to have the variation of the IL-23 gene found in healthy patients. Companies, including Centocor, are already examining the possibility of developing new treatments for Crohn’s disease targeting IL-23 using monoclonal antibodies.

Baltimore Sun, October 27, 2006

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