The present invention relates to an agent capable of binding to the C-C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2) and inducing the depletion of CCR2-positive monocytes in a subject for use in the treatment and/or prevention of an inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal system. The present invention further relates to a method of treating and/or preventing an inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal system comprising administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of an agent capable of binding to CCR2 and inducing the depletion of CCR2-positive monocytes in a subject to a subject in need thereof. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the agent of the invention, and optionally a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
