HLA-DQ2 details
What HLA-DQ2 shows
HLA-DQ2 is a genetic marker (part of the HLA gene system, which plays a role in immune recognition) that's strongly associated with celiac disease — the large majority of people with celiac disease carry either HLA-DQ2, HLA-DQ8, or both. Because of this strong association, a negative result for both genes makes celiac disease highly unlikely and can be used to essentially rule it out. However, carrying HLA-DQ2 doesn't mean you have or will develop celiac disease — many people carry this gene without ever developing the condition — so a positive result only indicates genetic susceptibility, not diagnosis.
Tests that include HLA-DQ2
The Celiac HLA DQ Association test detects HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 to aid in diagnosing celiac disease.
- HLA-DQ2 A genetic marker strongly associated with celiac disease; most people with celiac carry this or the related HLA-DQ8 gene.
- HLA-DQ8 A genetic marker associated with celiac disease, carried by a smaller share of celiac patients than HLA-DQ2.
Celiac disease is a multigenic immune-mediated enteropathy triggered by dietary proteins, commonly known as glutens, present in wheat, barley, and rye. Varied clinical manifestations begin either in childhood or adult life. Its prevalence in the united states ranges from 0.5 to 1%. Celiac disease is strongly associated with the HLA genetic region. Approximately 90% of celiac patients express the HLA-DQ2 molecule. Most of the DQ2 negative patients express the HLA-DQ8 molecule. Gluten peptides presented by these HLA molecules induce an abnormal mucosal immune response and tissue damage. The HLA-DQ molecules are heterodimers of an alpha and a beta chain. The beta chain of HLA-DQ2 is coded by HLA-DQB102 and of DQ8 by HLA-DQB10302. HLA-DQB1 genotyping allows clinicians to evaluate the genetic predisposition for celiac disease in a patient.
- HLA-DQ2 A genetic marker strongly associated with celiac disease; most people with celiac carry this or the related HLA-DQ8 gene.
- HLA-DQ8 A genetic marker associated with celiac disease, carried by a smaller share of celiac patients than HLA-DQ2.
- HLA-DQB1 A genetic marker used in celiac disease risk assessment and in tissue-typing for organ/stem cell transplant matching.
- HLA DQA1* Identifies your HLA-DQA1 gene type, part of HLA-DQ2 and DQ8 typing used to assess genetic susceptibility to celiac disease.
Not sure how to read your results? We can help.
Schedule a consultation with a Hormunity specialist. We’ll walk through every marker, interpret what it means for you, and map out the next steps for your care.
Book a specialist