# Interleukin-15 gene polymorphism in children with celiac disease: a single-center experience

## TL;DR

This study finds that a specific gene variation in interleukin-15 is linked to a higher risk of celiac disease in children.

## Contribution

The study identifies protective and risk-associated IL-15 gene variants in pediatric celiac disease patients.

## Key findings

- The IL-15 SNP rs2857261 A/A genotype is more common in celiac disease patients than controls.
- A/G and G/G IL-15 genotypes are protective against celiac disease.
- Serum IL-15 levels are elevated in newly diagnosed celiac disease patients.

## Abstract

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the demographics, clinical presentation, laboratory findings, and gastrointestinal endoscopic findings in children with CD and assess their relationship with interleukin-15 (IL-15) single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (rs2857261) and serum IL-15 levels. This case–control and prospective cohort study included 54 newly diagnosed pediatric CD patients attending the Gastroenterology Clinic at Alexandria University Children’s Hospital and 44 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Demographics, clinical data, laboratory tests, Marsh classification, and IL-15 SNP (rs2857261) genotypes were analyzed. Follow-up after 9 months on a gluten-free diet (GFD) was conducted. The mean age of patients and controls was 8.62 ± 4.4 and 8.07 ± 4.7 years, respectively, with no significant difference (p = 0.55). Male representation was 48.1% in patients and 47.7% in controls (p = 0.97). The most common presenting symptoms in CD patients were abdominal distension (61.11%) and failure to thrive (59.26%). Laboratory findings showed that mean anti-tissue transglutaminase immunoglobulin A was 103 ± 168 U/ml, and anti-endomysium immunoglobulin A was positive in 51.85% of patients. Histopathological assessment revealed Marsh 3C as the most common finding (37%), while 37% of patients were diagnosed without biopsy. IL-15 SNP (rs2857261) analysis showed a significantly higher prevalence of the A/A genotype in CD patients compared to controls (p < 0.0001). The A/G and G/G genotypes were protective against CD, with odds ratios of 0.088 and 0.079, respectively. No significant associations were observed between IL-15 genotypes and clinical, laboratory, or histological variables. After 6 to 9 months on a GFD, genotype did not significantly influence symptom resolution (p > 0.05).

Conclusions: Serum IL-15 levels are elevated in newly diagnosed pediatric CD patients. The IL-15 SNP (rs2857261) A/A genotype is associated with increased susceptibility to CD, while the A/G and G/G genotypes appear protective. These findings highlight IL-15 as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in CD. Further large-scale studies are warranted to validate these findings and explore therapeutic applications.What is Known:• Celiac disease is an immune-mediated enteropathy linked to HLA-DQ2/DQ8 alleles, with IL-15 playing a key role in its pathogenesis.• Variability in IL-15 genetic polymorphisms has been suggested but remains underexplored in pediatric populations.What is New:• This study identifies the IL-15 SNP (rs2857261) A/A genotype as a risk factor for CD, while A/G and G/G genotypes are protective.• Elevated serum IL-15 levels in newly diagnosed patients highlight its potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target.

What is Known:

• Celiac disease is an immune-mediated enteropathy linked to HLA-DQ2/DQ8 alleles, with IL-15 playing a key role in its pathogenesis.

• Variability in IL-15 genetic polymorphisms has been suggested but remains underexplored in pediatric populations.

What is New:

• This study identifies the IL-15 SNP (rs2857261) A/A genotype as a risk factor for CD, while A/G and G/G genotypes are protective.

• Elevated serum IL-15 levels in newly diagnosed patients highlight its potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00431-025-06108-6.