Individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease must avoid gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. But, there are still some patients who continue to experience symptoms, despite adhering to a gluten-free diet.

Researchers have recently discovered a new biomarker, called IFNE (Interferon Epsilon), that can predict these symptoms, paving the way for a revolutionary diagnostic test.

What is IFNE?

IFNE is a molecule that plays a critical role in the human immune system. Interferon epsilon, or IFNE, is only produced by a specific type of white blood cell called plasmacytoid dendritic cells, or PDCs.

PDCs make up only 0.2 percent of the total white blood cells, making it a rare type of cell.

However, recent studies have demonstrated that IFNE is released in considerable amounts in individuals with celiac disease, especially when they are exposed to gluten.

IFNE triggers the immune system’s inflammatory response, leading to the symptoms experienced by celiac patients.

How the Test Works

The IFNE test is a blood test that measures the concentration of IFNE in an individual’s blood. The procedure is quick, simple, and can be performed at any healthcare center or doctor’s office.

A laboratory analysis of the blood sample is required to obtain the IFNE concentration level.

Patients can receive the testing results within hours, which can help them understand the likelihood of experiencing celiac disease symptoms in the future.

This test is beneficial for individuals who regularly experience symptoms despite maintaining a gluten-free diet.

How the IFNE Test Revolutionizes Diagnosis

Before the IFNE test, celiac disease diagnosis relied on clinical examination and multiple blood tests.

Doctors would first test for the levels of tissue transglutaminase (tTG) and deamidated gliadin peptide (DGP), both of which are antibodies produced in response to gluten. However, tTG and DGP can also appear in individuals who have other medical conditions, making the test result ambiguous. If the test results are positive, a small intestine biopsy is recommended.

However, small intestine biopsy is an invasive and costly procedure, and a negative biopsy result does not rule out the possibility of celiac disease.

The IFNE test, on the other hand, only requires a simple blood draw, and the results are much more specific to celiac disease.

Conclusion

The development of the IFNE test is a significant breakthrough in celiac disease diagnosis.

The blood test is easy to administer, and the results are highly specific, meaning that patients no longer need to undergo an invasive procedure to obtain a definitive diagnosis. Furthermore, monitoring IFNE levels may provide new avenues for future research into autoimmune diseases.

The IFNE test will revolutionize the way celiac disease is diagnosed and treated, improving the quality of life for those living with this condition.