Research Communication: Teriflunomide Does Not Affect Gluten‐Specific T‐Cell Activity in Coeliac Disease—A Randomised, Placebo‐Controlled Trial

Abstract

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disorder driven by gluten and managed through a strict gluten‐free diet. We tested teriflunomide, a drug known for its ability to alter T‐cell activity, in a phase 2a trial of 15 patients with coeliac disease. Participants received teriflunomide or placebo including a loading dose, followed by a 3‐day oral gluten challenge to monitor T‐cell responses. The main aim was to observe attenuation of gluten‐specific T‐cell activation markers after gluten exposure. We found no significant differences in T‐cell activity between groups, concluding that teriflunomide is ineffective as a non‐dietary treatment for coeliac disease.