Researchers solve a key mystery about celiac disease

by time news

Researchers Solve Key​ Mystery of Celiac Disease

Celiac disease, an autoimmune disease affecting ⁤1% of the population, currently has no known cure. Despite its prevalence, the exact mechanism triggering the immune response to gluten remains a mystery.⁤ A ‌team of​ researchers from McMaster University and their colleagues have finally cracked‍ this code.

Their findings suggest that the lining of the upper intestine, called​ the epithelium, plays a crucial role​ in directing the inflammatory response to gluten. Previously, it was believed that the immune ⁢response occurred solely between the intestinal wall and specialized immune cells.

How ⁢the discovery was ‌made:

  • Researchers used microscopic biomaterials to create a biologically functional model of ‌the intestinal epithelium.
  • This allowed them to isolate the effects of specific materials on epithelial cells infected with celiac disease.
  • They discovered that the⁢ epithelium sends‌ signals to immune cells, alerting them to the⁢ presence of gluten.

Potential for future ⁢treatments:

This groundbreaking discovery opens new doors for potential treatments. Researchers hope to⁣ develop drugs that can prevent⁤ the new activity of ⁣the epithelial cells, ⁣thereby controlling the immune response to gluten. ‌These drugs⁢ are already in clinical trials.

Other key findings:

  • The researchers confirmed that gluten triggers an immune response in the epithelium, leading to inflammation.
  • The presence of pathogens in the gut is linked to the ⁤epithelial response to gluten.

Implications:

This ‍research offers hope for the millions affected by celiac disease. By identifying the specific role of the epithelium in the disease mechanism, researchers can ⁢now focus on developing targeted therapies that can modulate the⁤ immune⁣ response to gluten.

You may also like

Leave a Comment