HLA and lymphocyte receptors for gliadin peptides.

Coeliac disease is associated with the HLA Class I antigens A1 and B8 as well as with Class II antigens D/DR3, 7 and DC3. Class I antigens are important in the process of self recognition, guiding the cytolytic action of T killer cells, whereas Class II antigens are thought to regulate the functions of T helper and suppressor lymphocytes, and may be have a role in the intracellular transport of foreign macromolecules. Gliadin fractions were observed to adhere to the surface of B lymphocytes of patients with coeliac disease. The phenomenon was independent of the HLA antigen status (A, B, C, DR) of the patients, suggesting that the receptor for gliadin on the B cell surface is a yet unidentified B cell surface marker.