What condition is primarily caused by the immunological response to gluten in celiac's disease?

The condition primarily caused by the immunological response to gluten in celiac disease is indeed an autoimmune reaction. In celiac disease, ingestion of gluten—a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye—triggers an inappropriate immune response. This response involves the production of antibodies that mistakenly attack the lining of the small intestine, leading to damage of the intestinal mucosa.

This autoimmune reaction is characterized by inflammation, villous atrophy, and resultant malabsorption of nutrients. The immune system’s attack on self-tissues is what classifies celiac disease as an autoimmune disorder. The body targets its own tissues because it perceives gluten as a harmful substance, which is a fundamental aspect of autoimmune diseases.

While inflammation is indeed a consequence of the autoimmune response, it is not the primary cause of celiac disease itself. Similarly, allergic reactions involve different mechanisms and are typically characterized by immediate and acute responses rather than the chronic inflammation seen in autoimmune conditions. Intestinal blockage can occur as a secondary complication in various gastrointestinal disorders but is not the primary condition associated with celiac disease.