Intraepithelial Lymphocytes and LAIR1 Expression in Celiac Disease

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Gastroenterology
• Oncology

Background:

• Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-related enteropathy triggered by gluten, causing small intestine damage.
• It is characterized by villus atrophy, crypt hyperplasia, and increased intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs).

Purpose of the Study:

• To phenotype IELs and lamina propria (LP) immune cells in controls and CD patients.
• To evaluate leukocyte-associated immunoglobulin-like receptor 1 (LAIR1) as a potential biomarker in CD.

Main Methods:

• Immunohistochemical analysis of various immune cell markers, including LAIR1, PD-L1, and BTLA.
• Gene expression analysis to confirm protein findings.
• AI-powered image analysis for classification.

Main Results:

• IELs in controls show a cytotoxic T-cell phenotype, expressing CD3, CD8, CD103, TCR beta, and LAIR1.
• CD patients exhibit increased numbers of LAIR1+ IELs and LP immune cells.
• Higher LAIR1 expression correlates with increased intestinal lesion severity (Marsh score).
• Gene expression and protein analysis confirmed overexpression of LAIR1 and BTLA in CD.
• AI model achieved 99.6% accuracy in classifying CD using LAIR1 staining.

Conclusions:

• IELs possess a cytotoxic T-cell phenotype expressing LAIR1.
• Increased LAIR1+ IELs and LP immune cells are characteristic of celiac disease.
• LAIR1 shows promise as a diagnostic and severity biomarker for CD.