Regulation of T-cell apoptosis in inflammatory bowel disease: to die or not to die, that is the mucosal question.

T-cell resistance against apoptosis contributes to inappropriate T-cell accumulation and the perpetuation of chronic mucosal inflammation in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). Anti-interleukin-12 (IL-12) and anti-IL-6 receptor antibodies suppress colitis activity by the induction of T-cell apoptosis. These findings have important implications for the design of effective treatment regimens in IBD.