Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 5, 2026

Recognition of Epidermal Transglutaminase by IgA and Tissue Transglutaminase 2 Antibodies in a Rare Case of Rhesus Dermatitis
10:27

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

Published on: December 15, 2011

23.9K

Immune reaction against the cytoskeleton in coeliac disease

M G Clemente1, M P Musu, F Frau

  • 1Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Biotecnologie, Servizio delle Malattie Metaboliche del Bambino, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.

Gut
|September 15, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Coeliac disease (CD) patients show an immune response to actin filaments, a key part of the cytoskeleton. Antiactin antibodies (AAA) detected in CD correlate with severe villous atrophy and disappear after a gluten-free diet (GFD).

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Coeliac disease (CD) involves gluten-induced damage to the intestinal cytoskeleton.
  • The actin network in intestinal microvilli is particularly vulnerable to gluten.
  • Previous research suggests a link between gluten and cytoskeletal impairment in CD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate immune reactions against cytoskeleton structures, specifically actin filaments, in coeliac disease patients.
  • To assess the prevalence and significance of antiactin antibodies (AAA) in CD.
  • To evaluate the impact of a gluten-free diet (GFD) on AAA levels.

Main Methods:

  • Studied 83 coeliac disease patients (children and adults) and various control groups.
  • Utilized indirect immunofluorescence, ELISA, and western blotting to detect IgA and IgG antiactin antibodies (AAA).
  • Also measured antitissue transglutaminase (TGA) antibodies and assessed antibody levels before and after a gluten-free diet (GFD).

Main Results:

  • 59 out of 83 CD patients (71%) tested positive for IgA and/or IgG AAA.
  • A high prevalence (92.7%) of IgA TGA antibodies was observed.
  • IgA AAA levels strongly correlated with the severity of intestinal villous atrophy (p<0.0001).
  • AAA became undetectable within five months of adhering to a GFD.

Conclusions:

  • An immune response directed against the cytoskeleton, specifically actin filaments, exists in both children and adults with coeliac disease.
  • Antiactin antibodies (AAA) are strongly associated with severe intestinal villous atrophy in CD.
  • AAA may serve as a valuable serological marker for identifying severe intestinal damage in coeliac disease.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Isolation of Lamina Propria Mononuclear Cells from Murine Colon Using Collagenase E09:48

Isolation of Lamina Propria Mononuclear Cells from Murine Colon Using Collagenase E

Published on: September 26, 2019

15.6K
Author Spotlight: Investigating the Effects of Compounds on Intestinal Tissue Using 3D Human Cell Line Models07:39

Author Spotlight: Investigating the Effects of Compounds on Intestinal Tissue Using 3D Human Cell Line Models

Published on: September 1, 2023

2.1K

Related Concept Videos

Allergic Drug Reactions01:27

Allergic Drug Reactions

Allergic reactions related to drugs are hypersensitivity responses driven by the immune system and bear no connection to the drug's therapeutic action. While drugs in isolation do not trigger an immune response, they can interact with endogenous proteins to form antigens. These antigens stimulate lymphocytes to produce antibodies. IgE-type antibodies attach themselves to mast cells. Upon subsequent exposure to the same stimulus, the antigen-antibody interaction is initiated, unleashing...
1.6K
Other Disorders of Digestive System01:30

Other Disorders of Digestive System

The gastrointestinal tract is susceptible to various disorders. If the lower esophageal sphincter is damaged, stomach acid can flow back into the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation of the lining. This condition is called gastroesophageal reflux disease (known as heartburn) and may cause chest pain and difficulty swallowing. In the stomach, prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, chronic alcohol consumption, bacterial infections such as Helicobacter...
1.7K
Gastritis-II: Pathophysiology01:17

Gastritis-II: Pathophysiology

Gastritis is marked by disruption of the mucosal barrier that usually protects the stomach tissue from digestive juices and manifests in acute and chronic forms.
In acute gastritis, the gastric mucosa becomes swollen and red and undergoes superficial erosion. Superficial ulceration may lead to bleeding.
In chronic gastritis, persistent or repeated insults lead to chronic inflammatory changes and, eventually, thinning or atrophy of the gastric tissue.
Gastritis can stem from various causes, each...
1.9K
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Cytolytic Reactions01:01

Hypersensitivity Reactions: Cytolytic Reactions

Type II hypersensitivity involves IgG and IgM antibodies targeting cell surface antigens, leading to cell destruction. This can occur through complement activation, antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), or acting as opsonins for phagocytosis. When excessive, these reactions cause significant tissue damage.Drug-induced hemolytic anemia is a common example, where drugs like penicillin or cephalosporins bind to red blood cells, forming drug-protein complexes. These complexes...
221
Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Ulcerative Colitis01:20

Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the colon characterized by continuous mucosal inflammation that typically begins in the rectum and extends proximally in a uniform pattern. Its pathogenesis involves a complex interplay of genetic predisposition, immune dysregulation, and environmental influences. These factors converge to impair the colon’s epithelial defenses and promote an exaggerated inflammatory response against luminal contents.Breakdown of the Mucosal...
57
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease01:25

Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease

Crohn’s disease is a chronic, relapsing form of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by segmental, transmural inflammation that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Its pathogenesis arises from a combination of genetic susceptibility, environmental exposures, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and immune dysregulation. Together, these factors lead to an exaggerated immune response against components of the gut microbiome.Genetic and Environmental InfluencesMultiple genetic...
69