Enzyme From Oral Bacteria Could Help Celiac

There has been research to show that an isolated enzyme from bacteria present in human saliva
has potential as therapy for Celiac disease.  Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes
severe digestive and other health problems when gluten is ingested.  An estimated 3 million
people have the disease with the only treatment, a strict gluten free diet. 

Gluten found in wheat, barley and rye contain the immunogenic sequences that drive Celiac
disease.  The immune response in the small intestine goes into overdrive when people with
the disease ingest gluten.

Many patients find it hard to adhere to a strict gluten free diet.  The new research focuses on
methods that target the peptides in gluten.  This includes a vaccine based strategy and the use of
enzymes that break down gluten before gluten reaches the small intestine.  More research has to
be done.