title: An alternative mechanism for gluten toxicity in coeliac disease.
abstract: The pathogenesis of gluten-sensitive enteropathies is unknown, although a peptidase deficiency and an immune defect have been postulated. The effect of plant-derived lectins on cells has led to an alternative concept in which a defect of the cell surface membrane allows gluten to act as a lectin and this reaction initiates cell toxicity. The proposed abnormality is viewed as a structural change produced by incomplete oligosaccharide chains in surface-membrane glycoproteins.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001665:Binding Sites; D002446:Celiac Disease / Q000209:etiology*; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism; D005983:Glutens / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000633:toxicity*; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000096:biosynthesis; D006680:HLA Antigens; D006801:Humans; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D037102:Lectins / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D006023:Glycoproteins; D006680:HLA Antigens; D037102:Lectins; D005983:Glutens