Animal models of celiac disease

Currently no 'true' animal models of celiac disease exist in which all of the elements unique to celiac disease are present. HLA transgenic mice show promise, since these mice have served as good models for other autoimmune diseases, such as diabetes, asthma, arthritis and multiple sclerosis. HLA-DQ8 transgenic mice have been shown to be gluten sensitive and, when placed onto a genetic background that is predisposed to autoimmunity, will develop dermatitis herpetiformis, which is the skin manifestation of celiac disease. Thus, HLA transgenic mice may be valuable in understanding the pathogenesis of celiac disease.