Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026

Isolation and Th17 Differentiation of Naïve CD4 T Lymphocytes
Published on: September 26, 2013
IL-17 producing T cells in celiac disease: angels or devils?
Consuelo Ortega1, Silvia Fernández, Orlando A Estévez
1Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Córdoba , Córdoba , Spain.
Celiac disease (CD) is a common autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten in genetically susceptible individuals. Specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA) types, DQ2 and DQ8, are strongly associated with CD pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
- Genetics
Background:
- Celiac disease (CD) is a prevalent autoimmune disorder affecting approximately 1% of the global population.
- It is characterized by an immune response to gluten, a protein found in dietary cereals.
- Genetic predisposition, particularly specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA) types, plays a crucial role in CD development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the key aspects of celiac disease, including its prevalence, triggers, and genetic associations.
- To highlight the role of HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 in celiac disease susceptibility.
- To discuss the potential involvement of Th17 cells in the pathogenesis of celiac disease.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on celiac disease.
- Analysis of genetic associations, focusing on HLA types.
- Discussion of immunological mechanisms, including the role of T helper 17 (Th17) cells.
Main Results:
- Celiac disease affects about one in 100 individuals worldwide.
- A strong association exists between CD and specific HLA molecules: HLA-DQ2 (in >90% of patients) and HLA-DQ8.
- Th17 cells are implicated in the disease's pathogenesis through the secretion of various cytokines.
Conclusions:
- Celiac disease is a common autoimmune condition linked to gluten ingestion in genetically susceptible individuals.
- HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 are critical genetic factors for developing celiac disease.
- Immune cells, such as Th17 cells, contribute to the inflammatory processes underlying celiac disease.
Related Concept Videos
T Cell Types and Functions
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease
Renewal of Intestinal Stem Cells
Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Ulcerative Colitis
Gastritis II: Pathophysiology

