TL1A is a TNF family cytokine that co-stimulates T-cell proliferation and cytokine production through its interactions with the TNF family receptor DR3. TL1A-DR3 interactions have been shown to be important for the development of autoimmune inflammatory diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

In order to probe the role of TL1A-DR3 interactions in IBD, NIAMS inventors have developed transgenic mice that constitutively express TL1A in T cells or in dendritic cells. These mice spontaneously develop inflammatory small bowel pathology that is IL-13 dependent, and that closely resembles intestinal responses to allergens and to nematode infection.

These mice represent a unique model for the study of IBD, and in particular, the role of IL-13 in the development of this disease. They may also be used as a platform for investigating agents that block TL1A-DR3 interactions and the pathology associated with chronic TL1A expression.