However, inhibition of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-6, for which the phosphorylation status is highly elevated in UC patients, seemed to prevent IL-13-induced apoptosis and improved transepithelial resistance.57 Because of the complexity of IBD pathology, cytokine neutralisation therapy has shown mixed results suggesting that the development of novel treatments should focus on different targets. The gene discussed is STAT6; the disease is inflammatory bowel disease.