Some people can get really sick from eating even a tiny bit of gluten in their food. This happens because of their genes and other factors, making it hard to know exactly why it happens. Scientists from McMaster University found that cells in the gut lining play a big role in this reaction to gluten. They hope this discovery can lead to new treatments.
Celiac disease is when gluten causes an immune response in the intestines. People with this condition can feel bloated, in pain, or have digestive issues. The only way to avoid these symptoms is to avoid gluten completely. Most people with celiac disease have genes called HLA-DQ2.5 or HLA-DQ8, which help the immune system recognize gluten and attack it.
Researchers found that the cells in the gut lining help carry pieces of gluten across, triggering the immune response. By understanding how these cells work, scientists may develop new ways to treat celiac disease and help people enjoy gluten without getting sick.
This study was published in a medical journal called Gastroenterology.
Vocabulary List:
- Celiac /ˈsiːliæk/ (adjective): Relating to a disease in which the body cannot properly digest gluten.
- Immune /ɪˈmjuːn/ (adjective): Relating to the body’s defense system against infections and diseases.
- Response /rɪˈspɒns/ (noun): A reaction to something especially in an immune context.
- Digestive /daɪˈdʒɛstɪv/ (adjective): Relating to the process of breaking down food in the body.
- Triggering /ˈtrɪɡərɪŋ/ (verb): Causing something to happen or start.
- Discovery /dɪˈskʌvəri/ (noun): The act of finding or learning something for the first time.
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