Abstract
It has been hypothesized that gluten-dependent production of anti-tissue-transglutaminase 2 (anti-TG2) antibodies may occur only at an intestinal level. We have investigated intestinal production of anti-TG2 antibodies in 136 patients with normal serum levels of anti-TG2 antibodies and normal duodenal mucosa. Intestinal deposits of anti-TG2 antibodies were evaluated by immunofluorescence and anti-TG2 antibodies released in organ culture supernatants measured by ELISA. Intestinal antibody libraries were obtained from 10 subjects. Immunohistochemistry for CD25+, CD3+, and TCR-γδ+ was assessed in subjects with positive (n = 32) and negative (n = 31) intestinal anti-TG2 antibodies. Globally 33/136 (24%) seronegative patients produced anti-TG2 autoantibodies at an intestinal level. Antibody libraries analysis confirmed the anti-TG2 antibodies mucosal production in all (n = 8) positive subjects. Lamina propria CD25+ cell count was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in patients with intestinal anti-TG2. Moreover, 13/32 (41%) of them showed high TCR-γδ+/CD3+ ratios. Intestinal anti-TG2 antibody production does not show absolute specificity for CD. It is seen more often in association with inflamed mucosa. Further investigations are necessary to prove the possible role of dietary gluten.
Highlights
Celiac disease (CD) is considered a systemic immune-mediated disorder elicited by gluten and related prolamines in genetically susceptible individuals [1]
Intestinal Anti-TG2 Antibodies Are Produced in Non-CD Patients
In this retrospective study we showed that the great majority of active CD patients produce
Summary
Celiac disease (CD) is considered a systemic immune-mediated disorder elicited by gluten and related prolamines in genetically susceptible individuals [1]. Anti-TG2 antibodies can deposit in the small intestinal mucosa [4], even before they can be detected in the circulation [5,6]. Nutrients 2017, 9, 1050 specific IgA deposition precedes the formation of small intestinal lesion in CD [6,7] as it can be detected in potential CD patients [6,8,9], i.e., patients showing positive serology for CD-specific antibodies, but architecturally normal intestinal mucosa [10]. The presence of mucosal deposits of anti-TG2 antibodies seems to be a predictive marker of future evolution to villous atrophy, as it was seen more often in those potential patients that progress to overt CD than in those remaining in early phase of disease [5,6,8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
