title: T cell depletion in untreated adult coeliac disease.
abstract: The proportional and absolute numbers of circulating thymus dependent lymphocytes (T cells) were reduced in untreated patients with coeliac disease but were normal after treatment with a gluten free diet. There was an inverse correlation between circulating T cell numbers and jejunal intraepithelial lymphocytes. This evidence suggests a possible role for T cells in the pathogenesis of coeliac disease and is a further example of disturbed cell mediated immunity in this condition.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D002446:Celiac Disease / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000276:immunology*; D005983:Glutens; D006801:Humans; D007104:Immune Adherence Reaction; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D007583:Jejunum / Q000473:pathology; D008212:Lymphocyte Depletion; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D005983:Glutens