An international research team, led by Dr. Raphaël Porret from the University of Lausanne, has developed a groundbreaking cell-based therapy targeting regulatory T cells (Tregs) to manage celiac disease.

This investigational treatment has shown promise in animal models, potentially paving the way for the first effective therapy for the approximately 70 million people affected by celiac disease worldwide.

The innovative approach draws inspiration from CAR T cell therapy, a form of cancer immunotherapy that involves genetically modifying T cells to combat disease.

In their experiments, the researchers engineered effector T cells and regulatory T cells, successfully preventing effector T cell migration to the intestines in response to gluten.

The engineered Tregs effectively suppressed the immune response to gluten, indicating potential for restoring gluten tolerance in celiac patients.

Dr. Porret emphasizes that while further research is necessary to evaluate the efficacy of Tregs in active disease, these findings provide proof-of-concept for a new treatment strategy.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten, found in wheat, barley, and rye, leading to severe intestinal symptoms and long-term health risks if untreated.

The study detailing these findings was published in Science Translational Medicine on May 19, 2025, highlighting the need for additional studies to explore Treg therapy in human subjects.