Coeliac disease: A review of the causative agents and their possible mechanisms of action

Abstract

This review outlines the main theories for the aetiology of coeliac disease and presents in more detail the work carried out in an attempt to define the nature of the toxins in wheat gluten. This includes the results of work with synthetic peptides and a discussion of the various assays used.Evidence is presented for an enzyme deficiency in coeliac disease which leads to abnormally high concentrations of certain peptides in the small bowel. These peptides can bring about damage by direct toxic action and by immunological mechanisms.Investigations of activity of synthetic peptides based on the structure of Agliadin appear to be making good progress and point to certain regions of that molecule as being responsible for toxicity. Certain key sequences of amino acids appear to be of fundamental importance to these studies.

Database of biologically active peptide sequences

“…4 Role of PEP and other proline-specific proteolytic enzymes has been reviewed in reference [38]. 5 Role of peptides in coeliac disease has been reviewed in reference [41]. …”

Multiantigenic Peptides as Standards in Immunoassays for Complex Proteins: Use of LGQQQPFPPQQPY in an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Gluten

“…Mitochondria from rat liver and beef heart were prepared following the usual procedures (8,11). The protein concentration was determined by the Lowry method (12). Beef heart mitochondria after preparation were either freshly used or stored at Ϫ20°C in a freezer.…”

“…When elucidated these correlations may be exploited using immunodiagnostic tests at mill intake to predict wheat quality prior to milling and processing. Celiac disease is the type III and/or type IV immune-mediated food reaction to gluten (12). As with type I gluten allergy, treatment centers on replacement of gluten in the diet by consuming foods identified as gluten-free.…”

Enzyme Therapy for Coeliac Disease: Is It Ready For Prime Time?

“…However if the amounts of peptides used are excessive, compared with mucosal dry matter, one would expect more residual peptides from the normals. For those interested in the historical overview of the assays and toxicity studies, the reader is referred to an older review (Cornell, 1996).…”