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Updated: Aug 6, 2026
10:27
Recognition of Epidermal Transglutaminase by IgA and Tissue Transglutaminase 2 Antibodies in a Rare Case of Rhesus Dermatitis
Published on: December 15, 2011
Transglutaminase 2 in the enterocytes is coeliac specific and gluten dependent
F Biagi1, J Campanella, U Laforenza
11st Department of Internal Medicine, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, Piazzale Golgi, 19, 27100 Pavia, Italy. f.biagi@smatteo.pv.it
Summary
Epithelial tissue transglutaminase distribution is specific to celiac disease, not general inflammation. Its presence on enterocyte surfaces is gluten-dependent, appearing in untreated and potential celiac patients.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Tissue transglutaminase (tTG) is the autoantigen in celiac disease.
- tTG localization in enterocytes was observed in both celiac patients and controls.
- Surface tTG was hypothesized to play a role in celiac disease pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the localization of tissue transglutaminase (tTG) in various stages of celiac disease.
- To examine tTG distribution in other enteropathies, with and without villous atrophy.
- To differentiate tTG localization patterns in celiac disease versus other mucosal conditions.
Main Methods:
- Immunofluorescence and immunoblotting assays were employed.
- Duodenal biopsy sections from celiac patients and controls were analyzed.
- Monoclonal antibodies against tTG were used, with blind examination of slides.
Main Results:
- tTG was found in the subepithelial layer, lamina propria, and pericryptal tissue in all samples.
- Epithelial tTG was detected on surface enterocytes in 8/10 untreated, 1/8 treated, and 3/5 potential celiac patients.
- No epithelial tTG distribution was observed in control subjects, confirmed by immunoblotting.
Conclusions:
- Epithelial tTG localization is a specific marker for celiac disease, distinct from non-specific mucosal inflammation.
- The observed epithelial distribution of tTG is dependent on gluten exposure.
- These findings support a role for tTG in the gluten-induced enteropathy characteristic of celiac disease.
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