Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEACAM) family members and Inflammatory Bowel Disease

•CEACAMs, present in the intestinal epithelium, play an important role in cell and bacteria adhesion, proliferation, differentiation and tumour suppression.•CEACAM1 contribute to tissue protection, regulation of epithelial barrier function and inhibition of T cell responses.•A defect in CEACAM5 signalling in intestinal epithelial cells is associated with IBD.•CEACAM6 is highly increased in IBD and is a receptor for the IBD-pathobiont Adherent-Invasive E. coli (AIEC).•CEACAM20 is regulated by commensal bacteria and bacterial metabolites and is potentially implicated in colitis development.