Research Communication: Teriflunomide Does Not Affect Gluten-Specific T-Cell Activity in Coeliac Disease-A Randomised, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Abstract

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disorder driven by gluten and managed through a strict gluten-free diet. We tested teriflunomide, a drug known for its ability to alter T-cell activity, in a phase 2a trial of 15 patients with coeliac disease. Participants received teriflunomide or placebo including a loading dose, followed by a 3-day oral gluten challenge to monitor T-cell responses. The main aim was to observe attenuation of gluten-specific T-cell activation markers after gluten exposure. We found no significant differences in T-cell activity between groups, concluding that teriflunomide is ineffective as a non-dietary treatment for coeliac disease.