Neo-epitope tissue transglutaminase autoantibodies as a biomarker of the gluten sensitive skin disease--dermatitis herpetiformis.

Background: The deamidated gliadin peptides (DGP) cross linked to human tissue transglutaminase (tTg) comprises a novel neo-epitope structure (Neo-tTg) for serological screening of celiac disease (CD). Our aim is to verify anti-Neo-tTg IgA and IgG in adults with dermatitis herpetiformis (DH).

Methods: Multi-centric retrospective evaluation of the IgA/G autoantibodies in sera of DH patients on a regular diet (n=40) and a gluten restricted diet (GRD, n=53) and control adults with autoimmune skin diseases (n=107) by ELISA.

Novel trends in celiac disease.

Celiac disease (CD) is one of the most common food intolerances in developed world. It affects genetically susceptible individuals and has severe consequences if it remains undiagnosed. A disease known for more than a century, it is still the focus for experts from various fields of research and development.

Diagnostic challenges in celiac disease and the role of the tissue transglutaminase-neo-epitope.

The diagnosis of celiac disease (CD) remains a clinical challenge based on the incomplete specificity and sensitivity rates of current non-invasive tests. Furthermore, histological assessments fail to identify all overt cases and, in particular, do not manifest pathognomonic alterations in silent cases. Accordingly, the majority of CD cases are diagnosed with great delay.

Autoantibodies in nonautoimmune individuals during infections.

Infections can act as environmental triggers inducing or promoting autoimmune disease in genetically predisposed individuals. Identification of microbial peptides similar to self-tissues may by molecular mimicry, provide the inducing mechanism for an immune response. The aim of this study was to identify autoantibodies (autoAbs) in nonautoimmune individuals during acute bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections.