Skip to main content

Features and functions of TG3-autoantibodies in dermatitis herpetiformis

Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is the most common extraintestinal manifestation of celiac disease (CD) and both disorders are caused by dietary gluten in wheat rye and barley. Around 1-2% of the Western-world population suffer from CD and 10% of them have DH. Both DH and CD are characterized by an IgA-class autoantibody response against TG2-protein but DH patients also have autoantibodies against another member of the same protein family, TG3. The current study will investigate the features and functions of the TG3 autoantibodies characteristic for DH.

Background

DH is thought to progress from CD if CD diagnosis is delayed and the condition is left untreated but the mechanism behind this progression is obscure. The progression to DH is paralleled with epitope speading from TG2 autoantibodies to those targeting  epidermal TG3. The current project will increase the understanding of DH pathogenesis and clarify the immunological mechanisms behind CD evolving to DH.

Funding source

Academy of Finland

Contact persons

Katri Lindfors

Associate professor

katri.lindfors [at] uta.fi

+358 50 318 6306