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Graves' disease is an [[autoimmunity|autoimmune]] disorder, in which the body produces antibodies to the receptor for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). These are IgG1 subclass of antibodies.<ref name="pmid2168443">{{cite journal |vauthors=Weetman AP, Yateman ME, Ealey PA, Black CM, Reimer CB, Williams RC, Shine B, Marshall NJ |title=Thyroid-stimulating antibody activity between different immunoglobulin G subclasses |journal=J. Clin. Invest. |volume=86 |issue=3 |pages=723–7 |year=1990 |pmid=2168443 |pmc=296786 |doi=10.1172/JCI114768 |url=}}</ref>
Graves' disease is an [[autoimmunity|autoimmune]] disorder, in which the body produces antibodies to the receptor for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). These are IgG1 subclass of antibodies.<ref name="pmid2168443">{{cite journal |vauthors=Weetman AP, Yateman ME, Ealey PA, Black CM, Reimer CB, Williams RC, Shine B, Marshall NJ |title=Thyroid-stimulating antibody activity between different immunoglobulin G subclasses |journal=J. Clin. Invest. |volume=86 |issue=3 |pages=723–7 |year=1990 |pmid=2168443 |pmc=296786 |doi=10.1172/JCI114768 |url=}}</ref>
   
   
These antibodies cause [[hyperthyroidism]] because they bind to the TSH receptor and [[chronic (medicine)|chronically]] stimulate it. The TSH receptor is expressed on the [[follicular cells]] of the thyroid gland (the cells that produce thyroid hormone), and the result of chronic stimulation is an abnormally high production of T3 and T4. This in turn causes the clinical symptoms of [[hyperthyroidism]], and the enlargement of the thyroid gland visible as [[Goitre|goiter]].
These antibodies cause [[hyperthyroidism]] because they bind to the TSH receptor and [[chronic (medicine)|chronically]] stimulate it. The TSH receptor is expressed on the [[follicular cells]] of the thyroid gland (the cells that produce thyroid hormone), and the result of chronic stimulation is an abnormally high production of T3 and T4. This in turn causes the clinical symptoms of [[hyperthyroidism]], and the enlargement of the thyroid gland visible as [[Goitre|goiter]].<br>
These antibodies stimulate thyroid hormone production that is uncontrolled by the hypothalamic pituitary axis.<ref name="pmid18719020">{{cite journal |vauthors=Morshed SA, Latif R, Davies TF |title=Characterization of thyrotropin receptor antibody-induced signaling cascades |journal=Endocrinology |volume=150 |issue=1 |pages=519–29 |year=2009 |pmid=18719020 |pmc=2630889 |doi=10.1210/en.2008-0878 |url=}}</ref>
These antibodies stimulate thyroid hormone production that is uncontrolled by the hypothalamic pituitary axis.<ref name="pmid18719020">{{cite journal |vauthors=Morshed SA, Latif R, Davies TF |title=Characterization of thyrotropin receptor antibody-induced signaling cascades |journal=Endocrinology |volume=150 |issue=1 |pages=519–29 |year=2009 |pmid=18719020 |pmc=2630889 |doi=10.1210/en.2008-0878 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid26361261">{{cite journal |vauthors=Pujol-Borrell R, Giménez-Barcons M, Marín-Sánchez A, Colobran R |title=Genetics of Graves' Disease: Special Focus on the Role of TSHR Gene |journal=Horm. Metab. Res. |volume=47 |issue=10 |pages=753–66 |year=2015 |pmid=26361261 |doi=10.1055/s-0035-1559646 |url=}}</ref>


The infiltrative [[exophthalmos]] that is frequently encountered has been explained by postulating that the thyroid gland and the extraocular muscles share a common antigen which is recognized by the antibodies. Antibodies binding to the extraocular muscles would cause swelling behind the eyeball.
===T Cells and B Cells===
Both T cells and B cells are necessary for the development of Graves' disease.
====T Cells====
In Graves’ disease, autoreactive T cells against the thyrotropin receptor have escaped both central (thymic) and peripheral editing.<br>
Receptors on these CD4+ helper T cells interact with MHC class II molecules through which thyrotropin-receptor peptides are presented.<br>
Intrathyroidal T cells are particularly reactive to thyroid antigens and predominantly have the Th2 phenotype.<ref name="pmid2531154">{{cite journal |vauthors=Martin A, Schwartz AE, Friedman EW, Davies TF |title=Successful production of intrathyroidal human T cell hybridomas: evidence for intact helper T cell function in Graves' disease |journal=J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. |volume=69 |issue=6 |pages=1104–8 |year=1989 |pmid=2531154 |doi=10.1210/jcem-69-6-1104 |url=}}</ref>
====B Cells====
B cells develop into antibody-producing plasma cells in a process requiring second signals.<br>
The first of these signals is provided by antigen binding to the B cell receptor and the second by CD40 on the B cell surface interacting with CD40 ligand on T cells.<br>
These interactions result in the production of critical cytokines, such as interleukin-4, which promote antibody secretion and T-cell support of class switching.<br>
B cells initially produce IgM, which can be class-switched to IgG or IgE. Intrathyroidal B cells have reduced mitogenic responses but spontaneously secrete anti–thyrotropin-receptor antibodies. <ref name="pmid27797318">{{cite journal |vauthors=Smith TJ, Hegedüs L |title=Graves' Disease |journal=N. Engl. J. Med. |volume=375 |issue=16 |pages=1552–1565 |year=2016 |pmid=27797318 |doi=10.1056/NEJMra1510030 |url=}}</ref>


The "orange peel" skin has been explained by the infiltration of antibodies under the skin, causing an inflammatory reaction and subsequent fibrous plaques.
===Thyroid Epithelial Cell Involvement===
These cells express important organ specific antigens, such as the thyrotropin receptor, thyroglobulin, and thyroperoxidase.<br>
Thyroid epithelial cells release several chemokines and thus may participate in the recruitment of immune cells.<ref name="pmid12794165">{{cite journal |vauthors=Armengol MP, Cardoso-Schmidt CB, Fernández M, Ferrer X, Pujol-Borrell R, Juan M |title=Chemokines determine local lymphoneogenesis and a reduction of circulating CXCR4+ T and CCR7 B and T lymphocytes in thyroid autoimmune diseases |journal=J. Immunol. |volume=170 |issue=12 |pages=6320–8 |year=2003 |pmid=12794165 |doi= |url=}}</ref>


There are 3 types of autoantibodies to the TSH receptor currently recognized:
The infiltrative [[exophthalmos]] that is frequently encountered has been explained by postulating that the thyroid gland and the extraocular muscles share a common antigen which is recognized by the antibodies. Antibodies binding to the extraocular muscles would cause swelling behind the eyeball.
 
* ''TSI'', Thyroid stimulating immunoglobulins: these antibodies (mainly IgG) act as LATS (Long Acting Thyroid Stimulants), activating the cells in a longer and slower way than TSH, leading to an elevated production of thyroid hormone.
 
* ''TGI'', Thyroid growth immunoglobulins: these antibodies bind directly to the TSH receptor and have been implicated in the growth of thyroid follicles.
 
* ''TBII'', Thyrotrophin Binding-Inhibiting Inmunoglobulins: these antibodies inhibit the normal union of TSH with its receptor. Some will actually act as if TSH itself is binding to its receptor, thus inducing thyroid function. Other types may not stimulate the thyroid gland, but will prevent TSI and TSH from binding to and stimulating the receptor.
 
The trigger for auto-antibody production is not known. There appears to be a [[genetics|genetic]] predisposition for Graves' disease, suggesting that some people are more prone than others to develop TSH receptor activating antibodies due to a genetic cause. [[Human leukocyte antigen|HLA]] DR (especially DR3) appears to play a significant role.<!--
  --><ref name="EndocrReview1993">{{cite journal | author = Tomer Y, Davies T | title = Infection, thyroid disease, and autoimmunity. | journal = Endocr Rev | volume = 14 | issue = 1 | pages = 107-20 | year = 1993 | id = PMID 8491150 | url=http://edrv.endojournals.org/cgi/reprint/14/1/107.pdf | format=PDF}}</ref>
 
Since Graves' disease is an autoimmune disease which appears suddenly, often quite late in life, it is thought that a [[Virus|viral]] or [[Bacteria|bacterial]] infection may trigger antibodies which cross-react with the human TSH receptor (a phenomenon known as antigenic mimicry, also seen in some cases of type I [[diabetes]]).  


One possible culprit is the bacterium ''[[Yersinia enterocolitica]]'' (a cousin of ''[[Yersinia pestis]]'', the agent of bubonic plague). However, although there is indirect evidence for the structural similarity between the bacteria and the human thyrotropin receptor, direct causative evidence is limited.<!--
  --><ref name="EndocrReview1993"/>
''Yersinia'' seems not to be a major cause of this disease, although it may contribute to the development of thyroid autoimmunity arising for other reasons in genetically susceptible individuals.<!--
  --><ref>{{cite journal | author = Toivanen P, Toivanen A | title = Does Yersinia induce autoimmunity? | journal = Int Arch Allergy Immunol | volume = 104 | issue = 2 | pages = 107-11 | year = 1994 | id = PMID 8199453}}</ref>
It has also been suggested that ''Y. enterocolitica'' infection is not the cause of auto-immune thyroid disease, but rather is only an associated condition; with both having a shared inherited susceptibility.<!-- yes this is true
  --><ref>{{cite journal | author = Strieder T, Wenzel B, Prummel M, Tijssen J, Wiersinga W | title = Increased prevalence of antibodies to enteropathogenic ''Yersinia enterocolitica'' virulence proteins in relatives of patients with autoimmune thyroid disease. | journal = Clin Exp Immunol | volume = 132 | issue = 2 | pages = 278-82 | year = 2003 | id = PMID 12699417}}</ref>
More recently the role for ''Y. enterocolitica'' has been disputed.<!--
  --><ref>{{cite journal | author = Hansen P, Wenzel B, Brix T, Hegedüs L | title = Yersinia enterocolitica infection does not confer an increased risk of thyroid antibodies: evidence from a Danish twin study. | journal = Clin Exp Immunol | volume = 146 | issue = 1 | pages = 32-8 | year = 2006 | id = PMID 16968395}}</ref>


The ocular manifestations of Graves disease are more common in smokers and tend to worsen (or develop for the first time) following radioiodine treatment of the thyroid condition. Thus, they are '''not''' caused by hyperthyroidism ''per se''; this common misperception may result from the fact that hyperthyroidism from other causes may cause eyelid retraction or eyelid lag (so-called ''hyperthyroid stare'') which can be confused with the general appearance of proptosis/exophthalmos, despite the fact that the globes do not actually protrude in other causes of hyperthyroidism. Also, both conditions (globe protrusion and hyperthyroid lid retraction) may exist at the same time in the hyperthyroid patient with Graves disease.
The ocular manifestations of Graves disease are more common in smokers and tend to worsen (or develop for the first time) following radioiodine treatment of the thyroid condition. Thus, they are '''not''' caused by hyperthyroidism ''per se''; this common misperception may result from the fact that hyperthyroidism from other causes may cause eyelid retraction or eyelid lag (so-called ''hyperthyroid stare'') which can be confused with the general appearance of proptosis/exophthalmos, despite the fact that the globes do not actually protrude in other causes of hyperthyroidism. Also, both conditions (globe protrusion and hyperthyroid lid retraction) may exist at the same time in the hyperthyroid patient with Graves disease.

Revision as of 16:16, 12 December 2016

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1];Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Seyedmahdi Pahlavani, M.D. [2]

Overview

Pathophysiology

Several factors may contribute in Graves' disease pathogenesis. Followings are the main aspects of Graves' diseases pathophysiology.

Initiating factors

Genetic factors are important in developing Graves' disease. These factors include genes encoding for,[1]

  • Thyroglobulin
  • Thyrotropin receptor
  • HLA-DRβ-Arg74
  • The protein tyrosine phosphatase nonreceptor type 22 (PTPN22)
  • Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte–associated antigen 4 (CTLA4)
  • CD25
  • CD40

Hypermethylation of genes involved in encoding thyrotropin receptor and proteins involved in T-cell signaling is another important factor.[2]

Anti Thyrotropin Receptor Antibodies

Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder, in which the body produces antibodies to the receptor for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). These are IgG1 subclass of antibodies.[3]

These antibodies cause hyperthyroidism because they bind to the TSH receptor and chronically stimulate it. The TSH receptor is expressed on the follicular cells of the thyroid gland (the cells that produce thyroid hormone), and the result of chronic stimulation is an abnormally high production of T3 and T4. This in turn causes the clinical symptoms of hyperthyroidism, and the enlargement of the thyroid gland visible as goiter.
These antibodies stimulate thyroid hormone production that is uncontrolled by the hypothalamic pituitary axis.[4][5]

T Cells and B Cells

Both T cells and B cells are necessary for the development of Graves' disease.

T Cells

In Graves’ disease, autoreactive T cells against the thyrotropin receptor have escaped both central (thymic) and peripheral editing.
Receptors on these CD4+ helper T cells interact with MHC class II molecules through which thyrotropin-receptor peptides are presented.
Intrathyroidal T cells are particularly reactive to thyroid antigens and predominantly have the Th2 phenotype.[6]

B Cells

B cells develop into antibody-producing plasma cells in a process requiring second signals.
The first of these signals is provided by antigen binding to the B cell receptor and the second by CD40 on the B cell surface interacting with CD40 ligand on T cells.
These interactions result in the production of critical cytokines, such as interleukin-4, which promote antibody secretion and T-cell support of class switching.
B cells initially produce IgM, which can be class-switched to IgG or IgE. Intrathyroidal B cells have reduced mitogenic responses but spontaneously secrete anti–thyrotropin-receptor antibodies. [7]

Thyroid Epithelial Cell Involvement

These cells express important organ specific antigens, such as the thyrotropin receptor, thyroglobulin, and thyroperoxidase.
Thyroid epithelial cells release several chemokines and thus may participate in the recruitment of immune cells.[8]

The infiltrative exophthalmos that is frequently encountered has been explained by postulating that the thyroid gland and the extraocular muscles share a common antigen which is recognized by the antibodies. Antibodies binding to the extraocular muscles would cause swelling behind the eyeball.


The ocular manifestations of Graves disease are more common in smokers and tend to worsen (or develop for the first time) following radioiodine treatment of the thyroid condition. Thus, they are not caused by hyperthyroidism per se; this common misperception may result from the fact that hyperthyroidism from other causes may cause eyelid retraction or eyelid lag (so-called hyperthyroid stare) which can be confused with the general appearance of proptosis/exophthalmos, despite the fact that the globes do not actually protrude in other causes of hyperthyroidism. Also, both conditions (globe protrusion and hyperthyroid lid retraction) may exist at the same time in the hyperthyroid patient with Graves disease.

References

  1. Tomer Y (2014). "Mechanisms of autoimmune thyroid diseases: from genetics to epigenetics". Annu Rev Pathol. 9: 147–56. doi:10.1146/annurev-pathol-012513-104713. PMC 4128637. PMID 24460189.
  2. Limbach M, Saare M, Tserel L, Kisand K, Eglit T, Sauer S, Axelsson T, Syvänen AC, Metspalu A, Milani L, Peterson P (2016). "Epigenetic profiling in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from Graves' disease patients reveals changes in genes associated with T cell receptor signaling". J. Autoimmun. 67: 46–56. doi:10.1016/j.jaut.2015.09.006. PMID 26459776.
  3. Weetman AP, Yateman ME, Ealey PA, Black CM, Reimer CB, Williams RC, Shine B, Marshall NJ (1990). "Thyroid-stimulating antibody activity between different immunoglobulin G subclasses". J. Clin. Invest. 86 (3): 723–7. doi:10.1172/JCI114768. PMC 296786. PMID 2168443.
  4. Morshed SA, Latif R, Davies TF (2009). "Characterization of thyrotropin receptor antibody-induced signaling cascades". Endocrinology. 150 (1): 519–29. doi:10.1210/en.2008-0878. PMC 2630889. PMID 18719020.
  5. Pujol-Borrell R, Giménez-Barcons M, Marín-Sánchez A, Colobran R (2015). "Genetics of Graves' Disease: Special Focus on the Role of TSHR Gene". Horm. Metab. Res. 47 (10): 753–66. doi:10.1055/s-0035-1559646. PMID 26361261.
  6. Martin A, Schwartz AE, Friedman EW, Davies TF (1989). "Successful production of intrathyroidal human T cell hybridomas: evidence for intact helper T cell function in Graves' disease". J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 69 (6): 1104–8. doi:10.1210/jcem-69-6-1104. PMID 2531154.
  7. Smith TJ, Hegedüs L (2016). "Graves' Disease". N. Engl. J. Med. 375 (16): 1552–1565. doi:10.1056/NEJMra1510030. PMID 27797318.
  8. Armengol MP, Cardoso-Schmidt CB, Fernández M, Ferrer X, Pujol-Borrell R, Juan M (2003). "Chemokines determine local lymphoneogenesis and a reduction of circulating CXCR4+ T and CCR7 B and T lymphocytes in thyroid autoimmune diseases". J. Immunol. 170 (12): 6320–8. PMID 12794165.

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