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Interferon induced Autoimmune Thyroid Disease (AITD): a model for human autoimmunity
Yael Oppenheim1, Yoshiyuki Ban, Yaron Tomer
1Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Bone Diseases, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, P.O. Box 1055, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA.
Autoimmunity Reviews
|August 4, 2004
Summary
Interferon (IFN) alpha therapy can trigger thyroid autoimmunity, affecting 2.5% to 42% of patients. Further research is needed to determine if IFN-alpha initiates or merely worsens existing autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD).
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Interferon (IFN) alpha treatment is linked to thyroid autoimmunity.
- Reported incidence of IFN-induced thyroid autoimmunity varies widely (2.5%-42%).
- Variability may depend on IFN dose, duration, and patient factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between Interferon (IFN) alpha treatment and autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD).
- To clarify whether IFN-alpha initiates AITD or exacerbates pre-existing subclinical AITD.
Main Methods:
- Observational studies analyzing patient data from IFN alpha treatment cohorts.
- Thyroid function tests and autoantibody assessments in patients receiving IFN alpha.
- Comparison of AITD incidence in treated versus untreated patient groups.
Main Results:
- IFN alpha treatment is associated with an increased risk of developing thyroid autoimmunity.
- The precise incidence of IFN-induced thyroid autoimmunity is highly variable.
- The exact mechanism by which IFN alpha influences AITD remains unclear.
Conclusions:
- Interferon (IFN) alpha therapy is a potential risk factor for thyroid autoimmunity.
- Further investigation is required to differentiate between IFN-alpha-induced initiation and exacerbation of autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD).