A Surprising Culprit Behind Celiac Disease?
Study suggests harmless viruses may set stage for immune system response to the grain protein gluten
By Robert Preidt
Thursday, April 6, 2017
THURSDAY, April 6, 2017 (HealthDay News) -- A typically harmless type of virus might sometimes trigger celiac disease, a new study suggests.
Celiac disease is caused by an abnormal immune response to the protein gluten, which is found in wheat, rye and barley. The condition damages the lining of the small intestine, and the only effective treatment is a gluten-free diet.
This new study found that when mice were infected with particular strains of a common human intestinal reovirus, their immune system could not tolerate gluten.
https://medlineplus.gov/news/fullstory_164503.html
