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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 27, 2026

Recognition of Epidermal Transglutaminase by IgA and Tissue Transglutaminase 2 Antibodies in a Rare Case of Rhesus Dermatitis

Recognition of Epidermal Transglutaminase by IgA and Tissue Transglutaminase 2 Antibodies in a Rare Case of Rhesus Dermatitis

Published on: December 15, 2011

Leaky gut and autoimmune diseases.

Alessio Fasano¹

¹Mucosal Biology Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA. afasano@mbrc.umaryland.edu

Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology

|November 24, 2011

Summary

Impaired intestinal barrier function, regulated by zonulin, is a key factor in autoimmune disease development. Restoring this barrier may offer new therapeutic strategies for autoimmune disorders.

Area of Science:

Immunology
Gastroenterology
Pathogenesis of Autoimmune Diseases

Background:

Autoimmune diseases involve immune responses against the body's own tissues.
The intestinal epithelial barrier, including tight junctions, regulates immune tolerance.
Zonulin modulates tight junctions and macromolecule trafficking, influencing immune balance.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the role of impaired intestinal barrier function in autoimmune pathogenesis.
To highlight the significance of the zonulin pathway in maintaining immune homeostasis.
To propose a new paradigm for understanding and potentially treating autoimmune diseases.

Main Methods:

Literature review focusing on the intestinal barrier, zonulin, and autoimmune diseases.

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Analysis of existing data from animal models and clinical studies.

Synthesis of evidence supporting the link between zonulin dysfunction and autoimmunity.

Main Results:

Deregulated zonulin pathway contributes to autoimmune disorders in genetically susceptible individuals.
Impaired intestinal barrier function allows aberrant immune responses.
Evidence from animal models and clinical studies supports this mechanism.

Conclusions:

The zonulin-dependent intestinal barrier plays a critical role in autoimmune pathogenesis.
Restoring intestinal barrier function presents a novel therapeutic target for autoimmune diseases.
Preventing the interplay between genetic and environmental factors by re-establishing barrier function may halt disease progression.