Celiac Facts for Patients

Intraepithelial lymphocytes. Special immune cells found in the mucosa, e.g. in the gastrointestinal tract and in the reproductive tract. As soon as they encounter proteins that they consider a potential danger, e.g. bacteria or allergens, they react by killing infected cells. The number of intraepithelial lymphocytes is elevated in ongoing inflammation, e.g. in celiac disease.

Immunoglobulin A. Antibodies (immunoglobulins) of type A. This type is mostly found in mucous membranes, e.g. in the small intestine, respiratory tract and even in tears and saliva.

Immunglobulin A antibodies. There are five types of antibodies in our body called immunoglobulins (Ig), namely IgA, IgM, IgD, IgE and IgG. IgA protects us against infections of the mucous membranes, lining respiratory, genital and digestive tract.

Immunoglobulin E. Antibodies (immunoglobulins) of type E. This type is involved in the development of allergies. It is the least abundant type of antibodies, but it can elicit a very powerful immune response.

Immunoglobulin G. Antibodies (immunoglobulins) of type G. Of all antibodies, about 80% are IgG antibodies, making them pivotal for a well functioning immune response.

A defense system of our body, comprising many biological structures and processes within an organism. It is responsible for distinguishing a person from everything foreign to him or her and for protecting his or her body against infections and foreign substances e.g. viruses and bacteria.

Is another word for antibody. Immunoglobulins are produced by special immune cells. Immunoglobulins attach to foreign substances, like bacteria or viruses, to help destroy them. There are different classes of immunoglobulins (IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG and IgM), but they all have the same task to neutralize pathogens. 

A complex biological response of body tissue that produces redness, warmth, swelling, and pain as a result of infection, irritation, or injury. Inflammation can be external or internal.

A natural hormone made by the pancreas that controls the level of the sugar glucose in the blood by allowing the uptake of glucose in the cells of our body.

Studies which usually randomly allocate the participants in groups which get different predefined treatment, e.g. different protocols of gluten-introduction. The study participants are then followed for a long period and in a controlled setting. These studies are performed to test specific hypotheses. With these studies, you can establish or rebut a cause-effect-relationship. All these studies must obtain permission form an ethical committee, regardless if the intervention comprises medication or not.