A new study published in the Scientific Reports highlights the intricate relationship between genetics, environment, and early-life factors in celiac disease development. In this observational study, researchers found that children born in spring or summer who carry a specific gene variant face a higher risk of developing celiac disease autoimmunity (CDA).
“This study emerged from a unique multicenter birth cohort study of type 1 diabetes and celiac disease that was conceived over 20 years ago, and is entering a new phase now that all of the children have reached the end of their 15-year intensive follow-up,” said study author Dr. Edwin Liu of Colorado Children’s Hospital.
The study, part of the TEDDY project, followed over 6,500 children genetically predisposed to autoimmune conditions. Researchers found that those born between April and July were 29% more likely to develop CDA by age 10 compared to children born in other seasons. A key factor driving this association was a specific variation of the CD247 gene, which is linked to immune system regulation.
Liu said, “The findings really nicely demonstrate how early environmental factors such as childhood infections and infant gluten consumption can actually interact with genes to lead to a higher risk of celiac disease. It’s an example of how future analyses of the cohort need to be layered, especially as we start to integrate multiomics data into predictive models.”
These findings underscore the importance of gene-environment interactions in autoimmune disease development. They also pave the way for future research into predictive models that combine genetic, environmental, and molecular data to better understand and prevent conditions like celiac disease.