This thesis is about the role of stromal cells in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and to assess the therapeutic potential of local mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC)-therapy. First, we discuss the... Show moreThis thesis is about the role of stromal cells in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and to assess the therapeutic potential of local mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC)-therapy. First, we discuss the recent insights in the function of stromal cells in the healthy and inflamed gut and characterize fibroblasts in perianal fistulas from patients with IBD. Furthermore, we study the long-term effects of MSC-therapy for the treatment of perianal fistulas and the efficacy of locally injected MSCs in the inflamed intestines of in vivo IBD models. Lastly, we investigate the cytokine environment of inflamed tissue from IBD patients and how this could affect local MSC-therapy. Show less