Gluten Reaction Found, New Celiac Treatments Possible

Scientists have made a significant discovery that could pave the way for new treatment options for celiac patients. The team pinpointed where the gluten response starts and found that certain cells play a bigger role than previously believed.

Understanding the Immune Response in Celiac Disease

Similar to other autoimmune diseases, celiac disease occurs when the body mistakenly launches an immune response against a harmless molecule—in this case, the trigger is gluten, a protein found in many grains. Consuming these foods causes a range of unpleasant symptoms, and the only known solution is a strict diet.

Seeking better alternatives, the researchers in the study investigated how and where the gluten response actually starts. In studies with mice and lab-grown miniature human intestines (called organoids), they observed the reactions of different cells to the presence of gluten.

Investigating the Origins of the Gluten Reaction

This allowed us to pinpoint the specific cause and prove exactly how and whether the reaction occurs,” said Tohid Didar, the corresponding author of the study.

It was found that epithelial cells—those that make up the inner lining of the upper intestine—respond to gluten by actively stimulating the release of CD4+ T cells. These helper cells, in turn, trigger an exaggerated immune response, which manifests as the common symptoms of celiac disease. While it was widely believed that the response only involved immune cells, there was already a suspicion that epithelial cells played a role. Now, the team has confirmed this suspicion.

Influence of Pathogenic Bacteria on Immune Response

Furthermore, the researchers discovered another factor at play. Epithelial cells send stronger signals to immune cells when Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacterium not usually found in a healthy microbiome, is present.

The researchers believe that this discovery could provide new targets for developing drugs to treat or prevent celiac disease. Testing for P. aeruginosa could also help identify patients at higher risk of developing the condition.

Read the original article on: New Atlas

Read more: 2023’s Remaining Months: Healthier Food Trends to Watch