Proteomic analyses lead to a better understanding of celiac disease: focus on epitope recognition and autoantibodies

Proteomic technologies are being used with increasing frequency in the scientific community. In this review, we have highlighted their use in celiac disease (CD). The available techniques, which include two-dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, and antibody and tissue arrays, have been used to identify proteins or changes in protein expression specific to gut tissue from patients with CD. A number of studies have employed proteomic methodologies to determine the diagnostic biomarkers in body fluids or to examine changes in protein expression and posttranslational modifications during signaling. A fast technological development of these methods, along with the combination of classic techniques with proteomics, will lead to new discoveries, which will consent a better understanding of the pathogenesis of CD.