Antibodies to some of the antigens might cross react with the host's self components and might indirectly produce autoimmune disease. Structural similarities between external antigen and self components are one of the possible causes of autoimmunity. One study described the presence of similar structures shared by gliadin and enterocyte surface molecules recognized by antigliadin mAbs. Another study showed that reactions of the patient's serum with parathyroid tissue were due to endomysial antibodies, common in CD and were not parathyroid specific. While proteins are clearly involved in celiac disease, other components of cereal grains may also be involved.
Lectins are potentially active substances in many plant foods.
A striking association is that celiac disease predisposes patients to the eventual development of lymphoma. There is evidence that strict adherence to a gluten-free diet long term will reduce the incidence of lymphoma. Anti-gliadin antibodies are most commonly found in the immune complexes, associated with major systemic disease. Celiac disease seems to be a general disorder of the gastrointestinal tract associated with increased permeability. Lymphocytic gastritis is associated with celiac disease.