AXA Diagnostics announces the availability of the following kits

- Anti-DGP IgG Code 8051EG
- Anti- DGP IgA Code 8051EA
- Anti-DGP Screen Code 8051ES

for quantitative determination of IgA and IgG antibodies against deamidated gliadin proteins (DGP) in human plasma and serum samples as a support of celiac disease diagnosis.

The sensitivity and specificity of tests that use a purified fraction of native gliadin as antigen are very low as IgA and IgG anti-gliadin antibodies are also found in pathologies not associated with celiac disease such as irritable bowel syndrome, HIV and neurological disorders.
The new tests proposed by AXA Diagnostics use deamidated gliadin proteins as antigen; these proteins are more specific to be recognized by anti-gliadin antibodies as these proteins, deamidated by tissue transglutaminase (tTG) in the lamina propria of the intestinal mucosa, have a greater binding affinity than native gliadin for antigen presenting cells (APC) HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 molecules; binding of deamidated gliadin proteins to APC is responsible of the autoimmune response.

To make a correct diagnosis and to avoid false negative results, it’s important to test both for IgA and IgG antibodies as it’s well known that a significant number of patients may have an IgA deficiency.

The use of new tests is a valid aid for the follow-up of patients undergoing a gluten-free diet.