In celiac disease, autoantibodies most commonly target which tissue?

In celiac disease, autoantibodies most commonly target which tissue?

• A. Muscle fibers
• B. Endomysium
• C. Myelin
• D. Cartilage

Answer: (B)

In celiac disease, the immune response produces autoantibodies that most specifically target the endomysium—the connective tissue surrounding individual muscle fibers. These anti-endomysial antibodies (EMA) are highly specific for celiac disease and reflect an autoimmune process involving tissue transglutaminase within the endomysial network. This is why endomysium is the correct tissue target. The other tissues listed are not associated with the autoantibody response seen in celiac disease (muscle fiber tissue, myelin, or cartilage).

In celiac disease, the immune response produces autoantibodies that most specifically target the endomysium—the connective tissue surrounding individual muscle fibers. These anti-endomysial antibodies (EMA) are highly specific for celiac disease and reflect an autoimmune process involving tissue transglutaminase within the endomysial network. This is why endomysium is the correct tissue target. The other tissues listed are not associated with the autoantibody response seen in celiac disease (muscle fiber tissue, myelin, or cartilage).