Active Research Protocols

Many patients visiting our center ask about how they may help contribute to our understanding of celiac disease so as to improve the lives of others with this condition. Below are three of our longstanding research protocols (in addition to others; please inquire). Participation in any of these protocols is entirely voluntary.

  • Patient Database

    Founded in the 1990’s by Dr. Peter Green, this database has evolved to encompass a large number of patients with biopsy-proven celiac disease, who provide consent to share their medical histories for research purposes. While individual patient identities are anonymous when reported in publications, the use of large numbers of patients has expanded our knowledge base for future generations. Analysis of this database has yielded publications regarding the changing mode of presentation of celiac disease, the risk of various cancers in celiac disease, and the differences between men and women with celiac disease, to name a few. Participation in this database is one simple way for patients to contribute to celiac disease research.

  • Tissue and cell bank for known or suspected celiac disease patients

    This will be a valuable resource for future studies, allowing us to interact with industry as well as providing ongoing samples for future studies

  • T cell assays for the determination of the pathogenic mechanism of the intestinal injury in celiac disease.

    The immunological mechanisms of injury in celiac disease are not fully understood. It is known to involve T-cell lymphocytes which then set off release of substances that generate further inflammation and damage the intestine. We plan to draw blood samples and take additional biopsies from duodenum while patients are undergoing upper endoscopy as a standard medical management of celiac disease. Lymphocytes will be separated from biopsy and blood samples. These cells will be used in T cell assays to understand the underlying mechanism of celiac disease and intestinal injury. These samples are being studied in several laboratories, including our immunology lab, and laboratories of other US researchers.