Unlocking the secrets of celiac disease: the crucial role of HLA genes in diagnosis, symptoms, and prognosis

Celiac disease (CD) is a systemic autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten ingestion in genetically predisposed individuals, primarily manifesting as gastrointestinal symptoms. The primary environmental factor is gluten, (the soluble alcohol fraction of proteins found in certain cereals such as wheat, rye, and barley ; but genetic predisposition is crucial, localized on chromosome 6 within the major histocompatibility complex known as Human Leukocytes Antigens (HLA) in humans : over 90% of celiac patients express HLA DQ2, and the remaining patients express almost all HLA DQ8. We discuss the implications of these HLA genes in predisposition, diagnosis, symptomatology, and prognosis of CD.