anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies
Anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies (tTG antibodies) are proteins produced by the immune system in response to the enzyme tissue transglutaminase. These antibodies are commonly associated with celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. Testing for tTG antibodies helps in diagnosing this condition.
When a person with celiac disease consumes gluten, their immune system mistakenly targets tissue transglutaminase, leading to inflammation and intestinal damage. High levels of tTG antibodies in the blood can indicate an ongoing immune response, making them a useful marker for doctors to assess the presence and severity of the disease.