Open Access

REVIEW

Biomarkers and Underlying Pathways for Prediction of Response to Vedolizumab Therapy in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Gloria Krajnc¹, Lara Metlika², Uroš Potočnik^1,2,3, Boris Gole^2,*

1 Department for Science and Research, Maribor University Medical Centre, Ljubljanska ulica 5, Maribor, SI-2000, Slovenia
2 Centre for Human Molecular Genetics and Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Taborska ulica 8, Maribor, SI-2000, Slovenia
3 Laboratory for Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Genomics, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Maribor, Smetanova ulica 17, Maribor, SI-2000, Slovenia

* Corresponding Author: Boris Gole. Email:

BIOCELL 2025, 49(6), 991-1017. https://doi.org/10.32604/biocell.2025.063486

Received 15 January 2025; Accepted 28 March 2025; Issue published 24 June 2025

Abstract

Vedolizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody and one of the safest biologics for the treatment of both forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. It targets the α4β7 integrin and blocks leukocyte trafficking to the gut. Regardless of its efficacy in many patients, non-response to vedolizumab treatment poses a significant clinical challenge. In this review, we synthesize recent findings on genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and cellular biomarkers of vedolizumab response, emphasizing their roles in predicting therapeutic outcomes and understanding non-responsiveness. Key insights include the identification of epigenetic and transcriptomic signatures, the involvement of Th17 and IL-6 signaling, and the role of baseline inflammatory markers like albumin. Discrepancies in findings highlight the complexity of biomarker discovery and underscore the need for standardized, multiparametric approaches to refine personalized treatment strategies. By bridging knowledge gaps in vedolizumab responsiveness, this review aims to advance biomarker-driven decision-making and improve outcomes for patients with IBD.

---

Keywords

---