COVID-19 and celiac disease: A pathogenetic hypothesis for a celiac outbreak

Background A growing body of evidence supports the intestinal trophism of SARS-CoV-2, with ciliated cells and intestinal enterocytes being target cells because of the high expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2. Indeed, COVID-19 promotes a cytokine storm in the intestinal mucosa: the resulting epithelial damage leads to increased barrier permeability, allowing the passage of gliadin in the intestinal lamina. Methods Based on current literature, we hypothesize the role of COVID-19 as a potential trigger factor for celiac disease in predisposed patients. Conclusions Genetically predisposed patients could be more likely to develop celiac disease following SARS-CoV-2 infection, making COVID-19 a candidate culprit for a potential outbreak of celiac disease in the forthcoming future.

Automated summary

Based on current literature, it is hypothesized that COVID-19 may act as a potential trigger for celiac disease in predisposed patients. Genetically predisposed individuals could have a higher likelihood of developing celiac disease following SARS-CoV-2 infection, suggesting COVID-19 as a possible cause for a future outbreak of celiac disease.