Post Date: July 13, 2011
Researchers find higher expression of IL-17A in celiac disease than in gluten sensitivity
Findings show significant difference in the nature of the immune response between these two conditions
Scientists are working diligently to uncover the differences between celiac disease (CD) and gluten sensitivity (GS). In this study, Italian and U.S. researchers measured the presence of IL-17A (a marker of inflammation) in the small intestine. Specifically, the team studied intestinal biopsies from 13 patients with active CD, 11 patients with GS, and 7 control patients to determine if IL-17A is involved only in CD and to gain further knowledge about this marker’s role in autoimmune conditions.
The team found that mucosal expression of IL-17A was “significantly increased” in CD patients but not in GS patients, compared to controls.
According to the researchers, the study results support the idea that “CD and GS are distinct entities and that the immune system deals with gluten in different ways, possibly depending on genetic makeup.”
Sapone A, Lammers KM, Mazzarella G, et al. Differential mucosal IL-17 expression in two gliadin-induced disorders: gluten sensitivity and the autoimmune enteropathy celiac disease. Int Arch Allergy Immunol. 2010;152:75–80.