The pathogenesis of coeliac disease.
Coeliac disease is a chronic enteropathy caused by intolerance to gluten proteins. The true prevalence of this condition is greater than previously thought, with increasing numbers of 'silent' cases being diagnosed. Untreated coeliac disease is associated with significant morbidity and increased mortality. There have been a number of advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis of coeliac disease, in particular the mechanisms whereby gluten epitopes are processed, become modified by tissue transglutaminase (tTG) and then interact with HLA restricted T cells. An improved understanding of the immune response to gluten is likely to lead to the development of novel strategies for the treatment of coeliac disease.
Dewar
David
D
Department of Gastroenterology (GKT), The Rayne Institute, St. Thomas' Hospital, Lambeth Road, SE1 7EH, London, UK. daviddewar@aol.com
Pereira
Stephen P
SP
Ciclitira
Paul J
PJ
D002446:Celiac Disease / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D000939:Epitopes; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D005903:Gliadin / Q000276:immunology; D005983:Glutens / Q000276:immunology; D006681:HLA-D Antigens; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D015995:Prevalence; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D011503:Transglutaminases / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism
D000939:Epitopes; D006681:HLA-D Antigens; D005983:Glutens; D005903:Gliadin; D011503:Transglutaminases