Gunnar Reiske/Sandbox 102: Difference between revisions

HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 proteins are at high concentrations, 95% and 5 % of all celiac disease victims respectively, in those with celiac disease. The proteins are able to amplify the autoimmune response by binding the gluten complex to the transglutaminase tissue of the small intestine lumen. The new complexes are comprised of three chains, two being MHC class II antigens of alpha helical and beta sheet nature with the third being the gluten peptide.  The MHC class II molecules HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 are human leukocyte antigens associated with the genetic risk of developing celiac disease and serves as a MHC class II molecule in the immune system of the body. In addition, the complexes have conformations that only expose the gliadin sequence that has gastrointestinal protease resistance. As a result, the body sends out antibodies, which bind the epitopes of the complex thus labeling it as a toxin. The end result is an amplified autoimmune response that attacks the lining of the small intestine to help rid the body of the resistant complex.<ref>Mellins, E., & Stern, L. (n.d.). HLA-DM and HLA-DO, key regulators of MHC-ll processing and presentation. Current Opinion in Immunology, 26, 115-122. February 2014.