Chen Kong,1,* Meifeng Yang,2,* Ningning Yue,3,* Yuan Zhang,4 Chengmei Tian,5 Daoru Wei,6 Ruiyue Shi,1 Jun Yao,1 Lisheng Wang,1 Defeng Li1 

1The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; Shenzhen, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Hematology, Yantian District People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Gastroenterology, Shenzhen People’s Hospital (the Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University), Shenzhen, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Medical Administration, Huizhou Institute of Occupational Diseases Control and Prevention, Huizhou, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China; 5Department of Emergency, Shenzhen People’s Hospital (the Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; the First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China; 6Department of Rehabilitation, Shenzhen People’s Hospital (the Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; the First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China

*These authors contributed equally to this work

Correspondence: Lisheng Wang; Defeng Li, Department of Gastroenterology, Shenzhen People’s Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; the First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), No. 1017, Dongmen North Road, Luohu District, Shenzhen, 518020, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 755 25533018, Email wanglsszrmyy@163.com; ldf830712@163.com

Abstract: The intestinal barrier maintained by various types of columnar epithelial cells, plays a crucial role in regulating the interactions between the intestinal contents (such as the intestinal microbiota), the immune system, and other components. Dysfunction of the intestinal mucosa is a significant pathophysiological mechanism and clinical manifestation of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, current therapies for IBD primarily focus on suppressing inflammation, and no disease-modifying treatments specifically target the epithelial barrier. Given the side effects associated with chronic immunotherapy, effective alternative therapies that promote mucosal healing are highly attractive. In this review, we examined the function of intestinal epithelial barrier function and the mechanisms of behind its disruption in IBD. We illustrated the complex process of intestinal mucosal healing and proposed therapeutic approaches to promote mucosal healing strategies in IBD. These included the application of stem cell transplantation and organ-like tissue engineering approaches to generate new intestinal tissue. Finally, we discussed potential strategies to restore the function of the intestinal barrier as a treatment for IBD.

Keywords: inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal barrier, pathophysiology, treatment