Inflammatory bowel disease and metabolic reprogramming: From pathological mechanisms to targeted interventions (1/2026)

This cover visualizes immunometabolic dysregulation in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) through a split intestinal mucosa. The blue side depicts homeostatic epithelium with intact brush border, preserved barrier architecture, and healthy mitochondrial function, reflecting balanced oxidative metabolism that supports epithelial integrity. The red side represents active inflammation, featuring oxidative stress and immune-cell accumulation, symbolizing metabolic reprogramming that weakens the epithelial barrier and amplifies inflammatory circuits. Above, a stream of microbiota-derived metabolites (e.g., SCFAs, bile acids, and tryptophan derivatives) flows from the lumen into the mucosa, highlighting how microbial metabolism shapes host immunity and barrier repair via key signaling axes.