A NOVEL GUT-RESTRICTED ARYL HYDROCARBON RECEPTOR AGONIST WITH ACTIVITY IN THE DEXTRAN SODIUM SULFATE COLITIS MURINE MODEL

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease) have decreased production of endogenous aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) ligands in colon tissue. Activation of the AhR is a potential novel therapeutic target for ulcerative colitis and may play an important role in promoting immune homeostasis through increased IL-22 production, downregulation of proinflammatory mediators, and improved epithelial barrier function. Indigo naturalis, a botanical extract containing potent AhR agonists, has been effective for the treatment of moderate-to-severe and treatment-refractory ulcerative colitis in multiple clinical studies. The most potent AhR agonist in indigo naturalis is indirubin.