Mostly Harmless Virus Was Linked To The Celiac Disease

According to the latest study, a mostly harmless virus was linked to the celiac disease. More exactly, a reovirus infection could potentially trigger this affection.

This new study was carried out by University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and the University of Chicago research. Their results were published in the Science journal. Research found a connection between the development of autoimmune disorders and viruses, in general. Based on such studies, researchers are hoping to increase the chances of one-day developing vaccines for such affections.

“This study clearly shows that a virus that is not clinically symptomatic can still do bad things to the immune system and set the stage for an autoimmune disorder […].”

This is according to Bana Jabri, an M.D., Ph.D., part of the University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center and study senior author. She particularly drew attention to the celiac disease. This latter is an autoimmune disease caused by an improper response to the gluten protein. Presently, there is no known cure for celiac disease. The only effective treatment seems to be a gluten-free diet.

The Reovirus, A Mostly Harmless Virus, Could Be Connected To The Celiac Disease

This new research has been able to experimentally confirm the link between an autoimmune disease, the celiac, and a virus. For the study, the team used a mostly harmless one, the reovirus. By using a human strain, they managed to show its connection to the celiac disease in mice tests.

In order to be fully attested, this connection would reportedly have to be proved in humans, as well. Nonetheless, the new study is part of a growing body of evidence. One that suggests that autoimmune diseases may also be caused by outside pathogens and their influence on the body.

As it is, the team also points out the following. Those affected by this mostly harmless virus will not necessarily develop such a disease. The infection, on its own, cannot trigger the celiac. However, when combined with genetic factors as well, it may play a previously undetected role. As it is, more research on the matter will still be needed.

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