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Coeliac disease

Coeliac disease is a serious health condition that occurs when dietary gluten triggers a damaging immune response that attacks the body. It is associated with a range of health problems. Coeliac disease is often underdiagnosed and there is no cure

INTRODUCTION

Our researchers are working to improve detection, management and treatment of coeliac disease.

Our coeliac disease research

The goal of the Institute’s coeliac disease research team is to improve the health of people with coeliac disease by improving the disease’s diagnosis and treatment.

Our researchers are:

  • Investigating why gluten is toxic to adults and children with coeliac disease.
  • Discovering how the immune response to gluten can be controlled to prevent or treat coeliac disease.
  • Developing new tests for diagnosing coeliac disease and predicting a person’s genetic risk.
  • Investigating the differences between gluten sensitivity and coeliac disease.
  • Exploring how symptoms can be treated.
  • Undertaking clinical projects to understand the burden of coeliac disease and improve its diagnosis and management.

Our coeliac disease research includes clinical studies that are open to members of the public.

Our immunology and inflammation researchers are also deciphering the basic mechanisms of why immune cells react to gluten, a usually harmless protein. This is revealing new strategies for switching harmful immune responses off. In the long term, this could contribute to better treatments for coeliac disease.

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Illuminate Summer 2023
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