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ECM-derived Biomarkers of Mucosal Damage and Neutrophil Activity in Ulcerative Colitis Patients
March 13, 2026
ECM-derived biomarkers of mucosal damage and neutrophil activity are associated with the failure of VZD
Introduction
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic relapsing inflammatory disorder affecting the colon. A hallmark of UC is increased immune cell activity and dysregulated extracellular matrix remodeling, particularly of the mucosal collagens type III and IV, leading to mucosal damage. Anti-TNF agents have significantly improved the management of UC-still, up to 40% of patients experience treatment failure, with the anti-α4β7 integrin agent vedolizumab (VDZ) being frequently initiated following anti-TNF failure. This presents the unmet need for biomarkers enabling early assessment of treatment success.
This study investigates whether biomarkers of neutrophil activity, type III, and IV collagen remodeling could serve as early indicators of VDZ failure in anti-TNF experienced patients with UC.
Poster
Conclusion
The early increase in CTX-III, reflecting fibrosis resolution, was associated with the absence of VDZ failure, whereas increased neutrophil activity (CPa9-HNE), IAF-mediated collagen type III degradation (C3F) and mucosal damage (C3M, C4M) were associated with the failure of VZD. These findings suggest that biomarkers reflecting neutrophil activity and inflammatory events in the mucosa may serve as promising tools for the early and dynamic assessment of later VDZ treatment outcomes in anti-TNF experienced patients with UC.
