Coeliac Disease: Background and biochemical aspects

Coeliac Disease has to be considered a main food related affliction, with life long consequences for the people having the disease. Coeliac Disease patients suffer from adverse effects that can be related to specific gluten peptide sequences that trigger a sequence of immune related reactions leading to damage of the intestine and related malabsorption symptoms. Recently, detailed information has come available on peptide sequences that are toxic for Coeliac Disease patients. This information is discussed in relation to prevention of the disease and the development of safe cereals for Coeliac Disease patients. (C) 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.