title: Celiac disease.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Recent advances in the clinical, epidemiological, genetic, and therapeutic aspects of celiac disease have made this condition a superb model of autoimmunity. This review will outline the most significant work that contributed to our current knowledge of the disease.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Celiac disease is not confined to the Caucasian population as previously believed; rather its prevalence is approximately 1% worldwide. In addition to the HLA genes, many other genes involved in innate and adaptive immunity, intestinal barrier regulation, and autoimmunity have been identified as integral genetic components of the disease. Based on this information and on a better understanding of celiac disease pathogenesis, novel therapies alternative to the gluten-free diet are currently in advanced phase of development.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The outcome of these new findings will most likely have a significant impact in clinical practice, including diagnosis and management of the disease. Furthermore, celiac disease can be used as a unique model to gain more insights on the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases.
authors.affiliation: Mucosal Biology Research Center and Center for Celiac Research, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
authors.forename: Carlo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Catassi
authors.forename: Alessio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fasano
mesh_terms: D015551:Autoimmunity; D001706:Biopsy; D002446:Celiac Disease / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D055050:Diet, Gluten-Free / Q000379:methods*; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007421:Intestine, Small / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*; D015995:Prevalence; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D007155:Immunologic Factors