This clinical induction trial using CCL25-tailored leukapheresis demonstrates a safe and effective removal of activated monocytes with a clinical effect in patients with ulcerative colitis.
However, in mice and healthy humans CCL25 expression is restricted to the small bowel, whereas few data exist on activation of this pathway in the inflamed colon despite the vast majority of PSC patients having ulcerative colitis.
These findings indicate that the CCR9:CCL25 pair plays a causative role in ulcerative colitis and suggest that CCR9 antagonists will provide a therapeutic benefit in patients with colonic inflammation.