Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleLucinda CameronMonday 06 April 2026 12:02 BSTRelated: Crohn's sufferer calls on public to get checked as she shares diagnosis storyUniversity of Edinburgh-led research has made a significant breakthrough in understanding Crohn’s disease, identifying what drives the development of debilitating scar tissue in the intestines.The study found that clusters of immune cells within the gut stimulate surrounding cells to produce excessive collagen, leading to the formation of scar tissue, known as fibrosis.This crucial insight offers hope for developing new treatments to prevent or slow fibrosis, a severe complication of Crohn's disease that current therapies primarily targeting inflammation do not address.Researchers analysed intestinal tissue samples from Crohn’s patients using advanced techniques, including single-cell RNA sequencing, to uncover the signalling pathways between immune cells, endothelial cells, and collagen-producing cells.The findings, published in The Journal of Pathology, are considered a potential “game-changer” for patients, offering the prospect of preventing or slowing the lasting damage caused by the condition.In fullCrohn’s breakthrough as scientists find trigger that could help develop treatmentsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in