From Autoimmunity to Intestinal Tissue Damage: Insights From Potential Celiac Disease as a Paradigm of Disease Progression - PubMed
3 hours ago
- #celiac disease
- #prevention
- #autoimmunity
- Potential celiac disease (PCD) is defined by the presence of celiac disease-specific autoantibodies without villous atrophy, serving as a model for studying disease progression.
- PCD features a distinct immunological profile including a blunted Th1 response, preserved regulatory pathways, and incomplete activation of cytotoxic immune cells, preventing tissue damage.
- Only a subset of PCD individuals progress to active celiac disease, with the highest risk in the first years after seroconversion; some may even cease autoantibody production.
- Current guidelines recommend against routine gluten-free diets for asymptomatic PCD in both children and adults.
- PCD offers insights into the transition from immune tolerance to autoimmunity, with potential for preventive strategies and markers to transform celiac disease management.