Current Topics of the Mechanism of Intestinal Fibrosis in Crohn’s Disease

Intestinal fibrosis is one of the most common intestinal complications observed in inflammatory bowel disease, especially Crohn’s disease (CD). Intestinal fibrosis in CD is associated with chronic inflammation resulting from immunologic abnormalities and occurs as a form of tissue repair during the anti-inflammatory process. Various types of immune cells and mesenchymal cells, including myofibroblasts, are intricately involved in causing intestinal fibrosis. It is often difficult to treat intestinal fibrosis as intestinal stricture may develop despite treatment aimed at controlling inflammation. Detailed analysis of the pathogenesis of intestinal fibrosis is critical towards advancing the development of future therapeutic applications.