Breaking New Ground: Coeliac Disease Research, Diagnosis & IL-2 Breakthroughs with Scientist Olivia Moscatelli

A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 174

In today’s episode I’m joined by Olivia Moscatelli, a PhD student and scientist researching coeliac disease at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI) in Melbourne. Olivia works alongside Associate Professor Jason Tye-Din, one of the world leading experts in coeliac disease research. Not only is she making pivotal contributions to the field, but she also brings a unique and deeply personal perspective—because she lives with coeliac disease herself.

We’ll dive into Olivia’s diagnosis story, what led her into the world of scientific research, and the groundbreaking studies she’s currently working on that could transform the way coeliac disease is diagnosed and treated in the future.

What we'll cover: 

💬 Olivia’s Coeliac Disease Diagnosis & Gluten-Free Journey

• Being diagnosed at 17 
• How going gluten free changed her life
• The challenges of navigating a new life with coeliac disease

🔬 From Personal Experience to Scientific Research

• What sparked Olivia’s interest in science, medicine, and health
• How her personal journey with coeliac disease inspired her to pursue research in this field
• The path that led her to work with Dr. Jason Tye-Din at WEHI and how she landed this incredible opportunity

🧪 Life as a Researcher at WEHI

• What it’s like to work at one of Australia’s leading medical research institutes
• The experience of working alongside one of the top experts in coeliac disease research
• How scientific research at WEHI is shaping the future of coeliac disease diagnosis and treatment

🧬 The Latest in Coeliac Disease Research

• The current studies Olivia is involved in and what they aim to uncover
• The areas of research that excite her the most and where she sees the biggest potential breakthroughs
• How her personal experience with coeliac disease informs and influences her research

💡 The Potential of Interleukin-2 (IL-2) as a Diagnostic Tool

• What IL-2 is and why it will be a game-changer in coeliac disease testing
• The fascinating story of how this discovery came about
• How it will be implemented in research and diagnosis in the future 

🤝 The Importance of Collaboration in Coeliac Research

• Why researchers, organisations, and industry leaders need to work together
• The global landscape of coeliac disease research
• How greater collaboration can accelerate progress in coeliac disease research

🌏 The Future of Coeliac Disease Research

• Olivia’s hopes for the future—what advances we may see within the next decade 
• Potential for a cure or treatment in the future 

🔗 Links

Want to stay up to date with Olivia’s work and the latest in coeliac disease research?
 📌 WEHI Website
📌 Follow Olivia on Instagram: @coeliacliv.ing 

Interested in participating in a coeliac disease trial? Email coeliac@wehi.edu.au. Please note : *Not all studies involve a gluten challenge.*

Disclaimer

The content on this podcast is not a substitution for professional medical advice. It is the opinion and experience of the show host or guests. Please seek professional medical advice from a medically qualified professional before making any decisions about your health or diet.