A new study reveals that Crohn’s disease may be a disorder of specialized intestinal cells, called Paneth cells. Researchers say this finding could provide new targets for treatment.

Results of the study, which was led by researchers from the University of Cambridge and Harvard University, were published in the journal Nature.

According to the researchers, Crohn’s disease usually starts in early adulthood and is accompanied by cramping, diarrhea, weight loss, abscesses and fever.

Though the disease can go through periods of remission, it is a life-long disorder that is thought to develop in individuals who are genetically pre-disposed to the condition.

The researchers say Crohn’s is thought to develop when these individuals encounter environmental factors, but these influencers are largely unknown.

Professor Arthur Kaser, from the University of Cambridge and a lead author on the paper, notes that the team’s discovery of the role Paneth cells play in bowel inflammation “raises the possibility of entirely novel therapeutic approaches.”

Prof. Kaser adds:

“If we are able to break down Crohn’s disease into subsets by understanding the underlying mechanisms, which we have done here, we hope to develop much more targeted, effective treatments.”