Researchers used bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing, machine learning, and tissue validation to investigate shared molecular mechanisms between IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and celiac disease. They identified three genes—ITGB2, CD74, and KLK1—that showed consistent expression patterns across both diseases and potential diagnostic value. A combined three-gene model achieved an area under the curve greater than 0.9 in both training and validation datasets. In IgAN, higher ITGB2 and CD74 expressions were associated with higher serum creatinine and lower kidney function, while KLK1 showed the opposite pattern.
Immune analyses also pointed to shared inflammatory pathways, including increased M1 macrophage activity, supporting a possible gut–kidney immune connection between the two conditions. Although the findings suggest that these genes could eventually help clarify disease mechanisms or contribute to biomarker development, the authors emphasize that the research remains exploratory. The analyses were largely based on transcriptomic datasets, sample sizes were limited, and the findings have not been validated in large clinical cohorts or shown to play a causal role in either disease.
Reference: Tao S, Fan X, Liu X, et al. The shared mechanisms and potential diagnostic markers for IgA nephropathy and celiac disease. Autoimmunity. 2026 Feb 19;59(1):2635179. doi: 10.1080/08916934.2026.2635179.
