HLA-DQ2-gliadin Tetramer for Diagnosis of Celiac Disease

The study population consists of 50 HLA-DQ2+ patients on a gluten free diet, both celiacs and uncertain celiacs. The patients will undergo a oral gluten challenge with four slices of bread daily for three days. Before challenge blood samples will be drawn for tetramer staining of gluten-specific T-cells. The analysis is done at the Institute of Immunology at Rikshospitalet, using FACS analysis. Small intestinal biopsies will be examined for morhological changes and inflammatory gene expression. These procedures with blood samples and biopsies will be repeated after gluten challenge. Registration for clinical symptoms and personality traits will be done by standardised and validated forms. A dietist will perform an interview of the patients.