STUDIES IN-VIVO OF OMEGA-GLIADINS IN GLUTEN SENSITIVITY (CELIAC SPRUEDISEASE)

1. Highly purified omega-gliadins from wheat were used to challenge gl uten-sensitized individuals. Characteristic responses by mucosal CD3() and gamma delta(+) lymphocytes were demonstrated. Each lymphocyte su bset showed an increase within 8-12h post-challenge, indicating a spec ific response by the rectal mucosa to this gliadin species. 2. Availab le sequence data for the omega-gliadins and homologous proteins from b arley and rye indicate a common repeating octapeptide motif (consensus PQQPFPQQ). The results indicate, therefore, that the octapeptide repe at, or a contained sequence such as PQQP, plays an important role in t he mucosal immunopathology of gluten sensitivity.