Scientists solve 30-year mystery behind a cause of inflammatory bowel disease

Researchers from Oxford, Newcastle and Cambridge found that about 3.5% of IBD patients produce antibodies that neutralize interleukin-10. The finding links the HLA-DRB1*01:03 genetic variant to severe disease and could enable a blood test and targeted treatments.

• IL-10-blocking antibodies found in 3.5% of 4,900 IBD patients studied
• An estimated 15,000–20,000 patients in the UK may carry them
• HLA-DRB1*01:03 raises the likelihood of producing these antibodies
• A blood test could guide targeted therapy for these patients