Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating inflammatory disorders of the GI tract are provided. The compositions include a therapeutically effective amount of TGF? and ATRA (all-trans retinoic acid), in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier suitable for oral administration. TGF? and ATRA are preferably encapsulated in microspheres. The compositions are useful in alleviating symptoms in subject with an inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract. Exemplary subjects include subjects with Chrohns disease, ulcerative colitis, gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, ileitis, etc. The composition is administered to the subject following a therapeutically effective regimen, for length of time resulting in an improvement in one or more symptoms associated with inflammatory disorders of the GI tract.