Investigation of the influence of environmental factors in autoimmune diseases – coeliac disease, food allergy and type 1 diabetes
The antibody response against antigens and autoantigens is an essential component of adaptive immune mechanisms. However, the effects of the antibodies produced on human health are pleiotropic and depend on their heterogeneity, i.e. isotype ratio, specificity and affinity. The role of different antibodies and autoantibodies is not clear, but the presence of certain antibodies in serum may have diagnostic value. In collaboration with physicians, we are investigating antibodies against gliadin and other food proteins as well as autoantibodies in patients with active celiac disease, in patients on a gluten-free diet, in patients with autoimmune diseases associated with celiac disease and in the general population.
Prevention of type 1 diabetes
Another topic currently under investigation is the gluten-free diet for the prevention of type 1 diabetes and its effects on motor and cognitive symptoms as well as innate and adaptive immunity in Parkinson’s disease.