#09 Characterisation of molecular resistance mechanisms against biological therapies in inflammatory bowel diseases

Our project aims to decipher pathways which mediate resistance of patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) to biological therapies, namely anti-TNF- and anti-IL23p19 therapy. Previously, we found an altered composition of immune cells in the gut of anti-TNF resistant patients. The detailed analysis of these immune cells is part of the current project. In addition, we will investigate whether the occurrence of specific microbial markers is associated with resistance to biological therapy and elucidate the mechanisms leading to alterations in their composition. Since the pathways which lead to resistance to anti-IL-23p19 therapy have not been investigated so far, one part of the project is the functional analysis of the immune cell composition in the gut and blood of IBD patients not responding to anti-IL-23p19 antibody treatment. Together, these aims will help to advance personalized therapeutic approaches for patients with IBD.