Gluten sensitivity: overview and more Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease in which eating foods that contain gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, causes white blood cells to attack the lining of the small intestine, destroying it until it becomes soft. Related Articles Paclitaxel (with polyoxyethylated castor oil) Injection Summary of drug information Summary of consumer health information Summary of the effect on breastfeeding