Further research into gliadin found it was made up of even smaller fragments already known to provoke cells in the body to attack the intestine.

BBC: Cause of dietary disorder uncovered

Researchers reasoned that an enzyme that breaks down proteins, which had the ability to digest proline-rich chains might be able to break down the gliadin fragment, making it harmless.

BBC: Cause of dietary disorder uncovered

They exposed gliadin to digestive enzymes in test tubes and were able to identify a protein fragment made up of 33 amino acids that was resistant to further digestion and whose structure was known to be toxic.

BBC: Cause of dietary disorder uncovered