Endomysium: autoantigen in coeliac disease.

In coeliac disease, dietary exposure to gluten is associated with an autoimmune response to gastrointestinal antigens, including endomysium. Measurement of autoantibodies to endomysium is a highly specific and sensitive method of diagnosing coeliac disease. Analysis of the interaction between gluten and endomysium should provide a critical insight into the pathogenesis of this condition.