Researchers develop nanoparticle that may allow celiac disease patients consume gluten diet

Helsinki: In a development that might bring much relief to celiac disease patients in the long run, University of Helsinki researchers have developed a nano-particle, gliadin, that will allow patients to consume gluten diet, which is otherwise not recommended for such patients.

Celiac disease or celiac disease is a long-term autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the small intestine. Celiac disease affects 0.3-2.4% of people in most countries worldwide. Celiac disease is caused by a reaction to gluten, a group of various proteins found in wheat and in other grains such as barley and rye. The only available treatment for celiac disease till date is a life-long gluten-free diet.

Recently, Immunologist Tobias Freitag co-developed and tested nanoparticles containing gliadin for the immunomodulatory treatment of celiac disease in Professor Seppo Meri's research group at the University of Helsinki, in collaboration with industry.

When injected into the blood of mice in three different celiac disease models, absorbable, spherical, 500nm gliadin nanoparticles (TIMP-GLIA) significantly reduced markers of gliadin-specific T cell activation, inflammation, and tissue damage. Gliadin nanoparticle treatment also induced gene expression profiles associated with immune tolerance. These findings support the concept that it may be possible to "reprogram" the immune system in celiac patients and to instruct T lymphocytes to tolerate gluten again. If this would result in clinical unresponsiveness to gluten-containing diet in trials with celiac patients, TIMP-GLIA treatment could lead to the cure of celiac disease. Patients may then be able to eat normal food again without harmful consequences.