Stimulatory Response of Celiac Disease Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Induced by RNAi Wheat Lines Differing in Grain Protein Composition

Abstract

Gluten proteins in wheat are essential for bread-making but are also responsible for triggering gastrointestinal disorders such as celiac disease (CD), which affects approximately 1% of the Western population. Currently, the only effective treatment is a strict gluten-free diet. This study explores the use of RNA interference (RNAi) to reduce the expression of genes encoding immunogenic gluten proteins, offering a potential solution for developing CD-compatible cereals. These findings highlight the potential of RNAi technology to produce wheat varieties that are less immunogenic for CD patients while retaining some functional properties.