Transglutaminase 2 as therapeutic target in celiac disease

Celiac disease is caused by an aberrant immunological response towards the environmental antigen gluten. Modification of gluten peptides (deamidation) by the enzyme transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is pivotal to initiate and maintain a pathological immune respons e. Inhibition of TG2 activity is therefore an attractive therapeutic option for celiac disease. Using newly developed, highly specific TG2 inhibitors, we aim to characterize the enzymatic activity of TG2 and to evaluate the potency of specific TG2 inhibit ion in relation to celiac disease. This project will be a close collaboration with the research group of Prof. C. Khosla (Stanford University, USA), a world leading group in TG2 biology, structure and inhibitor development. By combining their expertise wi th our experience and knowledge on celiac disease and celiac disease related cell biology and cell work, this project should provide a strong contribution to the development of TG2 inhibitors as a therapy for celiac disease.