New Research: Development of Celiac Disease May be Driven by Specific Gut Bacteria

A recent study published in the American Journal of Pathology has reported interesting findings related to the development of celiac disease (in humanized mouse models). In subjects with moderate genetic susceptibility to celiac disease, specific intestinal microbiota changes may be a factor that increases celiac disease risk. The presence of Proteobacteria in the gut of genetically susceptible individuals may play a role in increasing the body's immune response to gluten. The lead investigator of the study, Dr. Elena F. Verdu of the Digestive Health Research Institute at McMaster University in Canada, has been quoted stating the following:

"Importantly, our data argue that the recognized increase in celiac disease prevalence in the general population over the last 50 years could be driven, at least in part, by perturbations in intestinal microbial ecology. Specific microbiota-based therapies may aid in the prevention or treatment of celiac disease in subjects with moderate genetic risk."
While this research may help to answer more questions regarding celiac disease in the future, it's important to remember that this is just one body of research and though a correlation was indicated, it may not be a causation. However, other notable research teams are also looking into the possible role of the microbiome in the development of celiac disease. This topic is certainly one to keep watching.
Read the research:
American Journal of Pathology: Intestinal Microbiota Modulates Gluten-Induced Immunopathology in Humanized Mice
http://ajp.amjpathol.org/art…/S0002-9440(15)00476-9/fulltext