Monoclonal Antibodies May Prevent Celiac Disease, Study Finds

Antibody therapy may help prevent the development of celiac disease, the digestive disorder that limits the body's ability to process foods that contain wheat, barley and rye, a study published by Science Immunology found.

Photo Insert: Celiac disease is a digestive condition that limits the body's ability to process foods that contain wheat, barley and rye.

The approach uses specially modified monoclonal, or laboratory-created, antibodies that prevent the human immune system from recognizing gluten, a protein found in these foods, as a toxin, the researchers said, Brian P. Dunleavy reported for United Press International (UPI).

This means that T cells, which, like antibodies, are cells created by the immune system to fight off invading diseases or toxins, will not respond to gluten and allow the body to digest or process it, according to the researchers.

Using this approach, the researchers were able to prevent the development of celiac disease in mice, though the therapy still needs to be tested in humans, they said. About 10% of Caucasians suffer from celiac disease.

"What we show is that a highly successful and well-recognized drug class, namely monoclonal antibodies also may find its place in the growing therapeutic toolbox under investigation in celiac disease," study co-author Geir Åge Løset told UPI in an email.

"Our findings point to a drug development path that ultimately may blunt the unwanted immune reaction seen in celiac patients, thereby allowing these patients to adopt a more normal way of living," said Løset, founder and CEO of Nextera, the Oslo-based firm that makes the monoclonal antibody for celiac.

WEEKLY FEATURE : PAL READY TO SOAR WITH PANDEMIC