Private MD News

Researchers uncover new clues in celiac disease

Category: Autoimmune Diseases

Researchers may be getting closer to preventing those who have received positive celiac disease tests from developing a worse condition. A new study published in the journal Nature shows that blocking certain genetic factors may prevent the autoimmune response that causes the condition.

Researchers from the University of Chicago used mouse models to study the effects of different chemical compounds. They found that test subjects that had higher levels of the compounds interleukin 15 and retinoic acid were significantly more likely to develop symptoms similar to those seen in patients with celiac disease.

Furthermore, the researchers showed that by blocking these chemicals, the risk of overactive immune responses decreased significantly. They said that their findings could pave the way for improved therapies for the condition, which can be a major disruption to individual's lives.

Additionally, they believe that their findings could have relevance in the treatment of other autoimmune conditions that cause high levels of inflammation. For example, they are planning further testing to see if blocking these compounds can improve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.