Celiac Disease (CD) is an autoimmune digestive disorder characterized by an immunologically toxic reaction to the ingestion of gluten which can be found in wheat, rye and barley. Without intervention, CD can lead to severe damage to the small intestines and can result to a variety of other nutritional deficiencies and diseases. It is estimated that one out of 133 people in the US is affected with this disorder, earning it a label as a "hidden epidemic".

Dutch reserachers have identified an enzyme that has the potential to be developed as an oral supplement to help people with CD. The enzyme, a new prolyl endoprotease derived from a common mold Aspergillus niger, can break down gluten efficiently even under extreme conditions found in the stomach, where most enzymes are inactivated either by the acids, or by pepsin enzymes.

"On the basis of our results, there now is a realistic chance that oral supplementation with an enzyme can ensure gluten degradation in the stomach before reaching the small intestine, where it causes problems for people with celiac disease," according to Frits Koning, researcher at the Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands, who headed the team that has published a new research paper on its work.

Additionally, the researchers say that the enzyme is extremely stable and food-grade-quality preparations can be produced at acceptable costs. The researchers are hoping to initiate clinical studies involving celiac patients.
More details from the American Physiological Society press release.