Background
In celiac disease, when the proteins found in gluten are detected, the body produces antibodies as an immune response to the perceived threat. In this process, the immune system causes damage to the villi in the small intestine, which can lead to many symptoms including abdominal pain, malnutrition, and fatigue1. One of these antibodies produced as a reaction to the presence of gluten is DGP-IgA, or deamidated gliadin peptide, IgA.
Typically, in the celiac disease diagnostic process, the first serological test recommended is for tissue transglutaminase, or tTG2. While tTG tests show high sensitivity and specificity in most cases, they are not always conclusive. When tTG test results cannot conclusively diagnose celiac disease or rule out a diagnosis, deamidated gliadin peptide test can be recommended.
