Circulating Cell-Free DNA in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Liquid Biopsies with Mechanistic and Translational Implications

This review examines the role of circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) as potential drivers of inflammation and their potential application as mechanistic biomarkers in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD). These DNA fragments contain significant information about their origins, the underlying host pathology leading to their release, and possess properties that can fuel the inflammatory process. Recent advances in sequencing and analytical approaches have made the translation of cfDNA into clinical practice a promising prospect. We focus on the functional relevance of cfDNA in the inflammatory process and discuss its potential for future assessments of IBD activity and identification of therapeutic options.