Immungenetic determinants of celiac disease

Aims and goal: The aim is identify which genes and gene variants that are associated with celiac disease and to perform functional analysis of transcription and protein expression of target genes.

A second aim is to test if celiac disease is triggered by virus and gluten and to test for differences in the microbiome between cases and controls.

The long term goal is to find prevention strategies for celiac disease.Material and Methods: Access to information and biologic data available from children at genetic risk prospectively followed in a multicenter birth-cohort are available prior to onset of celiac disease.

Extracted DNA and RNA from intestinal biopsies and peripheral blood samples from identified cases will be analyzed for gene expression (transcription) of specific candidate genes.

Sequenced stool virome and microbiome data from cases and matched controls will be related to food data on gluten intake.

A population-based screening of newborn infants identified as DR3/DR3, DR3/DR4, DR3/X carriers will be enrolled in two randomized controlled intervention trials with either probiotics, gluten-free/-reduced diet or normal diet for 3-5-years and followed longitudinally for celiac disease. Importance: The project builds on previous VR projects and will continue until 2027.

The project enables the discovery of etiological factors involved in celiac disease.

By identifying these factors, new methods to prevent celiac disease will be developed and tested in intervention trials.