Inflammatory Bowel Disease – Preclinical Colitis Models

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, is characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract driven by dysregulated immune responses to gut microbiota. The disease involves a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and immunological factors, and is mediated by both innate and adaptive immune mechanisms.

Redoxis offers established in vivo models of colitis to support the evaluation of immunomodulatory therapies, biologics, and anti-inflammatory compounds. These models allow for assessment of clinical parameters, colon pathology, cytokine responses, and immune cell infiltration.

The Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS) model is a widely used and reproducible acute model of ulcerative colitis. It is induced by administering DSS in drinking water over several days, leading to disruption of the epithelial barrier, microbial translocation, and robust innate immune activation.

Key Features:

  • Acute, reproducible colitis with rapid onset
  • Innate immune-driven; neutrophilic and macrophage infiltration
  • Weight loss, diarrhea, and colon shortening
  • Suitable for testing anti-inflammatory and mucosal healing agents
  • Compatible with histology, cytokine profiling, and Disease Activity Index (DAI)

The 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) model is induced by rectal instillation in ethanol, triggering a T cell–mediated response and transmural inflammation. This model mimics key features of Crohn’s disease, including a Th1/Th17-skewed cytokine profile.

Key Features:

  • Transmural inflammation and epithelial damage
  • Th1/Th17-dominated immune response
  • Suitable for immunosuppressants and cytokine inhibitors
  • Acute or chronic versions based on dosing protocol
  • Allows histology, cytokine profiling, and ex vivo restimulation assays

Oxazolone-induced colitis is an established model of ulcerative colitis, characterized by Th2-dominated inflammation. It is induced by rectal administration of oxazolone in ethanol following skin sensitization, resulting in epithelial damage, edema, and mucosal inflammation.

This model is particularly relevant for studying the role of IL-4 and IL-13, as well as barrier dysfunction and epithelial repair mechanisms.

Key Features:

  • Mimics features of ulcerative colitis
  • Th2-skewed immune response with IL-4 and IL-13 involvement
  • Induces epithelial damage, mucosal edema, and colon shortening
  • Useful for therapies targeting type 2 inflammation or epithelial repair
  • Compatible with histology and cytokine assays

(Available upon request)

This chronic colitis model is induced by transferring naïve CD4⁺CD25⁻ T cells into immunodeficient mice, such as Rag⁻/⁻ recipients. It models progressive T cell-driven intestinal inflammation and is ideal for studying immune regulation and tolerance.

Key Features:

  • Chronic colitis with high translational relevance
  • CD4⁺ T cell–dependent inflammation
  • Suitable for long-term efficacy and mechanistic studies
  • Allows study of regulatory T cell function and immunotherapies

Assay Capabilities and Readouts

Redoxis supports a comprehensive set of readouts for colitis models, including:

  • Body weight monitoring and Disease Activity Index (DAI)
  • Colon length and gross pathology scoring
  • Histological analysis of inflammation and tissue architecture
  • Flow cytometry of lamina propria and mesenteric lymph node cells
  • Cytokine profiling (e.g., IL-6, TNF-α, IL-17, IL-13) via Luminex or ELISA
  • Ex vivo restimulation assays for effector and regulatory T cell analysis

Our colitis models provide powerful tools to evaluate therapeutic strategies targeting intestinal inflammation, epithelial barrier repair, and immune modulation. Contact us for guidance on model selection and custom study designs.

Contact us

Inquiries? Questions?

Nina Woodworth

COO