Examining immune responses to gluten in celiac disease and healthy individuals

Changes in Serum IL-2 Levels Following a Single Oral Dose of Gluten

Not applicable Interventional Boston Children's Hospital · NCT05209568

This study tests how the immune system reacts to gluten in people with celiac disease compared to healthy individuals after eating a small amount of gluten.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment400 (estimated)
Ages2 Years to 101 Years
SexAll
SponsorBoston Children's Hospital Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Aurora, Colorado and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05209568 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the immune responses triggered by gluten consumption in individuals diagnosed with celiac disease compared to healthy controls. It is a multi-site, open-label study where participants will consume a single dose of gluten powder and provide blood samples to measure cytokine levels before and four hours after ingestion. The goal is to better understand the immune mechanisms involved in celiac disease and how they differ from those in healthy individuals.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals with a confirmed diagnosis of celiac disease who have been on a gluten-free diet for at least four weeks.

Not a fit: Patients with wheat allergy, type 1 diabetes, or those who have a history of severe symptoms following gluten exposure may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of celiac disease and lead to improved management strategies for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored immune responses to gluten, but this specific approach of a single-dose gluten challenge in a controlled setting is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. On a gluten-free diet for ≥ 4 weeks
2. Willing to consume gluten for research
3. For the celiac disease arm, diagnosis confirmed by serology and/or histology

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Pregnancy
2. Wheat allergy
3. Type 1 diabetes
4. BMI z-score \< -2
5. History of more than minimal symptoms following gluten exposure on a gluten-free diet
6. Comorbid condition that in the opinion of the investigator would interfere with study participation or would confound study results

Where this trial is running

Aurora, Colorado and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Celiac DiseaseMalabsorption SyndromesDigestive System DiseaseIntestinal DiseaseGastrointestinal DiseasesGluten SensitivityCeliac Disease in Childrengluten
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.