Celiac Disease Center Research Studies

Our experts conduct research on a variety of topics related to celiac disease in adults.

The ILLUMINATE-062 study is looking at the effectiveness of an investigational medication designed to break down gluten in the stomach in those with celiac disease who are on a gluten-free diet. The study will evaluate how well the investigational medication reduces celiac-related symptoms and intestinal damage due to gluten exposure.

One study involves analyzing NIDDK T-cell assays. By thoroughly evaluating the immune response to gluten, we are looking to identify the cells in the small intestine and blood responsible for inflammation seen from celiac disease.

Our scientists are researching brain fog through fMRI and cognitive to test the mental impacts after gluten exposure for those with the disease.

We are also leading a longitudinal RC2 study on the healing nature of the small intestine following gluten exposure for people with celiac disease.

Our pediatric celiac disease team is at the forefront of numerous studies for celiac disease in children. This includes research in areas such as:

• Celiac antibodies, and determining which antibody is the best predictor for monitoring adherence to the gluten-free diet.
• Gluten transfer from shared kitchen equipment to gluten-free food, and developing recommendations for celiac disease patients on how to avoid cross-contact with gluten.
• Video capsule endoscopy (VCE), and evaluating the efficacy of VCE for the diagnosis of celiac disease in children.
• A gluten exposure risk assessment questionnaire, and creating a standardized tool to be used in a variety of settings for patients with celiac disease and who are following a gluten-free diet.
• A Celiac database, and collaborating with other celiac centers to examine features of our patient population and to greatly contribute to our current understanding of this disease.
• The UChicago celiac disease and type 1 diabetes population, and determining how risk factors and outcomes for these diseases vary between racial groups.
• The financial burden of a gluten-free diet, and defining the increased cost and psychosocial impact accrued by celiac patients and families treated with the diet.
• Pediatric brain fog, and studying children recently diagnosed with celiac disease to monitor neurological impacts before and after a gluten-free diet.