Molecular mechanisms of inflammation and fibrosis in eosinophilic esophagitis

The epithelial lining of the esophagus is the first line of defense to protect the underlying tissue from various external insults. Upon injury and inflammation, a rapid and efficient restoration of the esophageal epithelial cell proliferation-differentiation-death equilibrium is needed. Failure to restore this equilibrium will ultimately have pathological consequences. To date, most studies of inflammation have focused in immune cells because they are the paradigmatic inflammatory cell type. However, immune cells are not the only cell type playing a role in inflammation and immunity. Epithelial cells sense and initiate inflammation, and also play a key role in the production of inflammatory molecules. However, it remains unclear how epithelial cells contribute to inflammation in patients with eosinophilic esophagitis. Dr Tetreault and her team will determine how epithelial cells control inflammation and fibrosis in eosinophilic esophagitis. Dr. Tetreault’s laboratory will also test how blocking mediators of inflammation can prevent the development and progression of eosinophilic esophagitis.