Celiac disease (CD) is an inflammatory enteropathy induced by gluten/gliadins in genetically susceptible individuals. In patients with active CD, an abnormal retro-transport of IgA/gliadin immune complexes is observed. This retro-transport is mediated by the expression of CD71 on the apical pole of enterocytes and promotes the entry of harmful gliadin peptides in the intestinal mucosa and the triggering of abnormal immune responses to gliadin peptides. Our results indicate a CD71-mediated transcytosis of gliadin peptides that may participate in the pathogenesis of CD in genetically predisposed individuals.