HSA | FSA CARDS ARE NOW ACCEPTED

Understanding Your HLA and Gluten Response

Gluten is a group of proteins found in grains such as wheat, barley, and rye. For most people, gluten is digested without issue. For others, the immune system can react to gluten and cause symptoms ranging from digestive discomfort to autoimmune damage as seen in celiac disease. Variations in the Human Leukocyte Antigen or HLA gene complex change how the immune system presents and recognizes proteins, including gluten fragments. That can raise or lower the chance your immune system misidentifies gluten as a threat.

How HLA variants affect gluten responses

HLA genes make proteins that present bits of food and microbes to immune cells. Certain HLA variants present gluten fragments in a way that triggers a stronger immune response. This can cause inflammation in the small intestine and other symptoms. Genetics are one piece of the picture. Environment, gut health, infections, and other genes also influence whether someone develops symptomatic gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.

What this means for your health

  • Higher genetic risk does not guarantee you will develop symptoms, but it increases the likelihood of immune-related reactions to gluten.
  • Lower genetic risk reduces the probability of an HLA-driven response, though non-HLA causes of gluten sensitivity still exist.
  • Regardless of genotype, focusing on whole foods, proper nutrient intake, and careful food handling supports gut and immune health.

Genetic Interpretations

2 effect alleles — TT genotype

You carry two copies of the effect allele for rs2395182, which is strongly associated with an HLA-related risk for immune reactivity to gluten. This genotype indicates a higher genetic predisposition to developing an immune response when exposed to gluten proteins in wheat, barley, and rye. When gluten is presented by your HLA proteins, immune cells may recognize it as foreign and trigger inflammation, sometimes causing damage to the small intestine.

Possible implications

  • Greater likelihood of symptoms such as chronic digestive upset, nutrient malabsorption, or signs consistent with celiac disease.
  • Increased chance that testing for celiac disease or other immune markers could be informative if symptoms appear.
  • Careful monitoring of gluten exposure and early discussion with your healthcare provider if symptoms develop.

Practical next steps

  • Consult your healthcare provider before making major diet changes. If you or your provider suspect celiac disease, do not start a gluten-free diet before testing because that can affect test accuracy.
  • If testing confirms celiac disease or if you choose to avoid gluten, work with a registered dietitian to ensure balanced nutrition and prevent deficiencies.
  • Consider nutrient testing for iron, vitamin B12, folate, vitamin D, calcium, and ferritin if you have digestive symptoms or long-term reduced gluten intake.
1 effect allele — GT genotype

You carry one copy of the effect allele for rs2395182. This indicates a moderate genetic predisposition to immune reactivity to gluten. The impact is generally lower than with two effect alleles but higher than with none. Your HLA variants may increase the chance that immune cells notice gluten fragments and produce a mild inflammatory response.

Possible implications

  • Some increased risk of mild digestive symptoms, bloating, or discomfort after gluten-containing meals.
  • Less likely than the TT genotype to be associated with classic celiac disease, but still possible.
  • Symptoms are variable and influenced by other genetic and environmental factors.

Practical next steps

  • Track symptoms and food intake to identify patterns. A short elimination and reintroduction under supervision can help determine sensitivity.
  • Discuss testing options with your healthcare provider if symptoms are moderate or persistent. Blood tests for celiac disease and follow up with an appropriate specialist may be recommended.
  • Adopt incremental dietary adjustments before committing to a strict long term gluten-free diet, and consult a dietitian if you reduce gluten to avoid nutrient gaps.
0 effect alleles — GG genotype

You carry two copies of the non-effect allele for rs2395182. This genotype suggests a low HLA-related genetic predisposition to immune reactions against gluten. Your HLA profile is less likely to present gluten fragments in a way that triggers the immune response associated with celiac disease.

Possible implications

  • Lower chance of developing HLA-driven gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
  • You may still experience non-celiac gluten sensitivity or other digestive issues that are unrelated to HLA genotype.
  • General healthy eating and gut-supporting practices remain important for long-term wellbeing.

Practical next steps

  • Pursue evaluation for other causes of digestive symptoms if they occur. Not all gluten-related symptoms are genetic.
  • Maintain a varied diet rich in fiber, fermented foods, and diverse nutrients to support gut microbiome and immune health.
  • If you choose to adopt a gluten-free diet for symptom relief, consult a dietitian to ensure you meet nutrient needs.

Diet Recommendations

  • Focus on naturally gluten-free whole foods: fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, lean proteins, eggs, dairy if tolerated, rice, corn, quinoa, buckwheat, and certified gluten-free oats.
  • Read labels carefully. Packaged foods can contain hidden gluten through additives, sauces, or cross-contact.
  • If you eliminate gluten, replace whole-grain sources with nutrient-dense alternatives to maintain fiber and micronutrient intake.
  • Include fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, or kimchi to support gut microbiome diversity if tolerated.

Supplement Recommendations

Supplements can be helpful when dietary restriction or malabsorption increases deficiency risk. Discuss with your healthcare provider before starting any supplements.

  • Multivitamin or targeted supplements for iron, vitamin B12, folate, vitamin D, calcium, and zinc if tests show low levels or if absorption is a concern.
  • Probiotics may support gut health in some people, especially if digestive symptoms are present.
  • Fiber supplements can help if dietary fiber is low after reducing gluten-containing whole grains.

Lifestyle and Monitoring

  • Keep a symptom and food diary to help identify triggers and track response to dietary changes.
  • Avoid cross-contamination in shared kitchens by using separate toasters, utensils, and preparation surfaces when necessary.
  • Manage stress, prioritize sleep, and maintain regular physical activity. These factors influence immune function and gut health.
  • Work with your healthcare provider to monitor nutritional status and, when appropriate, test for celiac disease before any gluten removal that could alter test accuracy.

When to See Your Healthcare Provider

  • If you have chronic digestive symptoms, unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, anemia, or other signs of malabsorption.
  • Before beginning a gluten-free diet if you want accurate testing for celiac disease. Stopping gluten before testing can cause false negative results.
  • To review appropriate blood tests such as celiac serology, nutrient panels, and follow up testing tailored to your symptoms and genotype.

PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. This information is educational and intended to help you understand genetic predispositions only. Always consult your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian for personalized medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.