What triggers the immune response in celiac disease?

• A. Infection by a specific virus
• B. Presence of gluten in the diet
• C. Excessive carbohydrates in food
• D. Deficiency in digestive enzymes

Answer: (B)

In celiac disease, the immune response is specifically triggered by the presence of gluten in the diet. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, and in individuals with celiac disease, the ingestion of gluten leads to an inappropriate immune response. This response results in inflammation and damage to the lining of the small intestine, impairing nutrient absorption and leading to various gastrointestinal symptoms and systemic effects.

When a person with celiac disease consumes gluten, it activates the immune system in a way that results in the production of antibodies that mistakenly target and damage the intestinal tissue. This unique mechanism underscores how celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder rather than a typical allergic reaction or a response to infection. The other options, while they may relate to digestive health or other conditions, do not directly instigate the immune response characteristic of celiac disease.