Novel Insights into the Pathogenesis of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), encompassing Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, are complex chronic disorders characterized by an intricate interplay between genetic predisposition, immune dysregulation, gut microbiota alterations, and environmental exposures. This review aims to synthesize recent advances in IBD pathogenesis, exploring key mechanisms and potential avenues for prevention and personalized therapy. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major bibliographic databases, selecting the most recent and impactful studies on IBD pathogenesis. The review integrates findings from multi-omics analyses, single-cell transcriptomics, and longitudinal cohort studies, focusing on immune regulation, gut microbiota dynamics, and environmental factors influencing disease onset and progression. Immune dysregulation, including macrophage polarization (M1 vs. M2) and Th17 activation, emerges as a cornerstone of IBD pathogenesis. Dysbiosis, as a result of reduced alpha and beta diversity and overgrowth of harmful taxa, is one of the main contributing factors in causing inflammation in IBD. Environmental factors, including air and water pollutants, maternal smoking, and antibiotic exposure during pregnancy and infancy, significantly modulate IBD risk through epigenetic and microbiota-mediated mechanisms. While recent advances have supported the development of new therapeutic strategies, deeply understanding the complex dynamics of IBD pathogenesis remains challenging. Future efforts should aim to reduce the burden of disease with precise, personalized treatments and lower the incidence of IBD through early-life prevention and targeted interventions addressing modifiable risk factors.