MIG in Crohn's disease.

High levels of chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor (CXCR)3 and monokine induced by interferon (IFN)-γ (MIG) expression were revealed in the intestinal mucosa of mice with experimental colitis, and in lymphocytes, macrophages and epithelial cells of patients with Crohn's disease (CD). CXCR3 and its chemokines expression were induced by IFN-γ in epithelial intestinal cells. These chemokines are involved in the recruitment of granulocytes and mononuclear cells, therefore in the maintenance of inflammation in CD. Serum MIG levels reflect CD disease activity, and it could be a marker for the responsiveness of patients to treatments. Efforts have been made to block MIG or CXCR3 in CD as a potential therapy of CD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]