These studies represent a paradigm shift in our thinking about the role of IECs in CeD, proving that they not only present specific antigens like gluten antigens alongside traditional antigen-presenting cells, thereby supporting activation of CD4+ T cells; they may also present other antigens to both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, which might have additional roles in disease mechanisms. This evidence concerns the gene CD8A and cranioectodermal dysplasia.