Researchers pinpoint gluten reaction triggers in celiac disease

Celiac disease affects about one in every hundred people. For these individuals, even small amounts of gluten can cause severe health problems. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, and it can lead to painful symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. Currently, avoiding gluten is the only way to manage celiac disease. If left untreated, the disease can damage the small intestine and lead to serious health risks, such as colorectal cancer and cardiovascular disease. Symptoms can also include anemia and osteoporosis. Researchers from McMaster University in Canada have made an important discovery. They found that cells in the gut lining play a crucial role in how gluten reactions start. Using mice modified to carry genes related to celiac disease, they studied how gluten peptides are processed and recognized by the immune system. Most people with celiac disease have specific genes called HLA-DQ2.5 or HLA-DQ8. These genes help the immune system identify gluten, but they can misinterpret gluten as a threat. Not everyone with these genes will develop celiac disease; other factors need to come into play. The research team discovered that a transporting enzyme in the gut wall cells is key to triggering gluten reactions. This enzyme helps carry gluten across the gut wall, making it detectable by immune cells. The findings show that gut lining cells are active participants in the disease process, not just victims. This identification of key roles in the immune response gives scientists new goals for future treatments. The hope is to allow more people with celiac disease to safely enjoy gluten-containing foods. The research was published in a medical journal.