Celiac Disease Causes

Celiac disease is caused from a combination of
immunological responses to an environmental
factor and genetic factors.  People need both a
genetic predisposition and the exposure to
gluten in order to develop the disease.

Immune mechanisms
The interaction of gliadin with the lining of the
small intestine is critical in the development of
the disease. When people with Celiac eat foods
with gluten, gliadin is identified by the immune
system as a threat.  As a result, the body produces
antibodies called antigliadin, which are directed
against gliadin.

Genetic factors
Genes play an important role in Celiac disease. 
It occurs much more frequently in relatives of
persons with the disease than in the general
population.