Celiac disease

Celiac disease is an immune-mediated disorder in which gluten exposure damages the small-intestinal lining. It can impair nutrient absorption and affect organs beyond the gut.

Gluten: Gluten is a group of storage proteins found in wheat, barley, and rye. Its peptides trigger the immune response that causes intestinal damage in celiac disease.
HLA-DQ8: HLA-DQ8 is a cell-surface protein variant that presents peptide fragments to immune cells. It is another genetic risk variant capable of presenting gluten peptides in celiac disease.
Gluten-free diet: A gluten-free diet excludes wheat, barley, rye, and ingredients derived from them. Strict lifelong avoidance of gluten is the established treatment for celiac disease.
Non-celiac gluten sensitivity: Non-celiac gluten sensitivity describes symptoms linked to gluten-containing foods without celiac autoimmunity or wheat allergy. It can cause similar symptoms but does not produce celiac-specific intestinal injury.
Tissue transglutaminase: Tissue transglutaminase is an enzyme that modifies proteins in the body's tissues. It modifies gluten peptides, making them stronger targets of the celiac immune response.
Human leukocyte antigen: Human leukocyte antigens are proteins that help immune cells distinguish self from foreign molecules. HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 belong to this antigen-presenting system.
Dermatitis herpetiformis: Dermatitis herpetiformis is an intensely itchy, blistering skin condition associated with gluten sensitivity. It is a skin manifestation of celiac disease and may occur with few digestive symptoms.
Wheat allergy: Wheat allergy is an allergic immune reaction to proteins in wheat. It is distinct from celiac disease, despite overlapping food avoidance and possible symptoms.
HLA-DQ2: HLA-DQ2 is a cell-surface protein variant that presents peptide fragments to immune cells. It presents modified gluten peptides to T cells in most people with celiac disease.
Adaptive immunity: Adaptive immunity is the targeted immune response involving antigen-specific lymphocytes and immune memory. Celiac disease depends on a targeted response to gluten rather than simple irritation.

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