Overview
- In a GEM Project analysis of 381 first-degree relatives, 77 later developed Crohn’s disease and 28 had elevated anti-flagellin IgG roughly 2.5 years beforehand.
- The immune response focused on a conserved hinge region of commensal Lachnospiraceae flagellins, indicating a specific preclinical signature.
- Elevated anti-flagellin antibodies were linked to silent intestinal inflammation and increased gut permeability prior to symptom onset.
- Researchers say the marker could support risk stratification and prevention studies, including exploration of a flagellin-directed vaccine, pending further validation.
- The peer-reviewed findings were published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology by a Sinai Health–led team with University of Alabama collaborators.