GlutenGobblers
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by exposure to a gluten subunit, gliadin. Gliadin is unable to be completely broken down by human digestive enzymes. In those affected by celiac disease, these fragments are recognized by inflammation-causing T-cells. This leads to side effects such as abdominal pain, fatigue, and even lactose intolerance.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Celiac Disease Foundation, it affects approximately 1 in 100 individuals with estimates suggesting 83% of those being undiagnosed cases.
In most cases, patients must resort to a strict gluten-free diet and take extra precautions to avoid cross-contamination with gluten-containing foods, even in trace amounts. Difficulty avoiding cross-contamination, especially with the prevalence of gluten products in food, may cause anxiety and fears related to eating or dining out. Disease management is difficult, as the only current solution for individuals with celiac is a completely gluten-free diet.
Our team is addressing this issue by re-engineering microbes native to the gastrointestinal tract that are capable of secreting gluten-degrading enzymes. By designing a modular secretion system to introduce enzymes with demonstrated efficacy in breaking down the immunogenic peptides associated with celiac disease, we aim to reduce the concentration of these harmful epitopes before they elicit an immune response.
This novel approach aims to minimize the effects of gluten cross-contamination, thus providing a sustainable solution to help celiac patients navigate their dietary restrictions safely. Through our work, we strive to bridge the gap between synthetic biology and healthcare by offering a solution that reduces gluten-induced immune responses and minimizes health risks, improving the quality of life of those affected by celiac disease.
