Ricerc@Sapienza

Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disorder induced, in genetically predisposed subjects, by the ingestion of gluten. The presence of a genetic risk is not sufficient for the development of the disease, since interaction with gluten is essential. Some authors found that microRNAs (miRNAs) expression is significantly altered in duodenal mucosa of CD patients, and this alteration can increase the expression of molecules involved in immune response. In addition, several infectious agents have been implicated in the pathogenesis of CD with varying levels of evidence. Among viruses, also Human Herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) could contribute to the appearance of CD, but at the present no data exist on the relationship between HHV-6 infection and CD. Several authors found an association between HHV-6 and the onset of autoimmune disorders. Furthermore, HHV-6A infection can modulates miRNAs expression in the cells involved in autoimmune disorders, such as in connective tissue disease and in thyroid disease. It has also been demonstrated that HHV-6 can be detected, at high frequency, in the gastrointestinal tract. All together these findings lead to hypothesize a possible involvement of this virus in CD.
The purpose of this project is to establish whether HHV-6A/B may have a role in the development of CD. Specifically, the attention will be focused on autoimmunity aspect in celiac disease related to dysregulation of some miRNAs expressions, associated to the control of innate and adaptive immune responses.
miRNA expression panel and HHV-6 detection, will be evaluated in duodenal biopsies and in blood samples from CD patients and controls.