T Cells in Celiac Disease

Abstract

Celiac disease is a human T cell–mediated autoimmune-like disorder caused by exposure to dietary gluten in genetically predisposed individuals. This review will discuss how CD4 T cell responses directed against an exogenous Ag can cause an autoreactive B cell response and participate in the licensing of intraepithelial lymphocytes to kill intestinal epithelial cells. Furthermore, this review will examine the mechanisms by which intraepithelial cytotoxic T cells mediate tissue destruction in celiac disease.