Coeliac Disease is a chronic, autoimmune digestive deficiency disorder which affects approximately 1% of the population. It is characterised by the body attacking the lining of the small intestine. The attack is caused by the body’s reaction to gluten, a type of protein predominantly found in wheat, barley, starch, rye and oats.
The gluten proteins are subject to normal digestion, but trigger resistant peptides (namely the HLA-DQ2 gene) in the Gliadin T Cell, causing the villi in the small intestine to become blunt and consequently hinder digestion.
Phase 1 of a clinical trial for an experimental vaccine is currently being undertaken in Melbourne by Doctor Bob Anderson, who describes the vaccines intended purpose ‘to gradually desensitise the coeliac sufferer, so that ultimately, gluten is tolerated. In light of this, the villi in the small intestine should revive and absorb nutrients in the normal way, thus bringing an end to gluten-free diets.’
If the vaccine is proved to be successful after the 11 month trial, the only combatant; a strict gluten free diet, might become a thing of the past for Coeliacs. As a direct consequence, undiagnosed ceoliacs could be easily detected and spared from premature deaths or lasting duodenal damage.
WEHI Press Release. Vaccine trial flags challenge to Coeliac Disease. (2009). Retrieved Online: http://www.wehi.edu.au/WEHI_Press/index_single_press.php?id=168Anderson, Robert. Coeliac Disease: A Glimpse of the future. (2004). Retrieved Online: http://www.coeliacresearch.com/downloads/GPCoeliacTalkApril2004.pps.
Inoperative villi as a consequence of gluten intake by a Coeliac sufferer
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