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Extracts of wheat gluten activate complement via the alternative pathway
D J Unsworth1, R Würzner, D L Brown
1Department of Clinical Immunology, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK.
Clinical and Experimental Immunology
|December 1, 1993
Summary
Wheat gluten subfraction FIII strongly activates the complement system, particularly the alternative pathway. This finding suggests a potential mechanism for initiating gluten enteropathies like celiac disease.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Wheat gluten is implicated in gluten-related disorders.
- The complement system plays a role in immune responses and inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the direct complement-activating ability of wheat gluten and its subfractions.
- To identify which gluten components activate complement and through which pathway.
Main Methods:
- Sandwich ELISA for terminal complement complex (TCC) detection.
- Haemolytic assay for C5b6 generation.
- Laurell's electrophoresis for C3 conversion to C3bi.
Main Results:
- Enzyme-solubilized gluten fraction three (FIII) activated complement significantly, comparable to zymosan.
- Whole insoluble gluten showed weak complement activation.
- Activation was dependent on magnesium ions and the alternative complement pathway, not the classical pathway.
Conclusions:
- Wheat gluten subfraction FIII is a potent activator of the alternative complement pathway.
- This activation mechanism may contribute to the initiation of gluten enteropathies.