Advanced Therapies Journal

Advanced Therapies Journal

The Role of Genetics and Gut Microbiome in Determining Response to Biologics in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD)

Reviewers

Author
Kiana Ali-akbar-pourhemmati
Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, East Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
10.22034/atj.2026.252833
Abstract
The advent of biologic therapies has significantly transformed the management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), yet achieving sustained clinical remission remains a challenge due to high rates of primary non-response and secondary loss of response. This review explores the complex interplay between host genetics and the gut microbiome as primary determinants of therapeutic outcomes. We argue that the clinical efficacy of biologics is not merely a consequence of drug-target interactions but is deeply rooted in a multi-factorial biological landscape. Genetic polymorphisms, particularly those involved in immune regulation and drug metabolism, play a critical role in shaping the pharmacokinetics and immunogenicity of biological agents. Simultaneously, the gut microbiome acts as a dynamic modulator of systemic inflammation, where specific microbial signatures and metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids, influence how patients respond to treatment. The integration of these two domains through multi-omics approaches is paving the way for precision medicine in IBD, allowing for the identification of predictive biomarkers that can guide personalized drug selection. Despite the promise of these markers, successful clinical implementation requires the standardization of bioinformatics pipelines and the inclusion of more diverse, global patient cohorts. Ultimately, understanding the synergy between the host genome and the microbial ecosystem is essential for optimizing biologic therapy, reducing healthcare burdens, and improving the long-term quality of life for individuals living with IBD.
Keywords
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Gut Microbiome
Genetics
Biologics
Precision Medicine
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  • Receive Date 04 June 2026
  • Revise Date 19 July 2026
  • Accept Date 15 August 2026