Dendritic cells in Graves' disease

Dendritic cells are major antigen-presenting cells (APC) that stimulate naive T cells, which induce adaptive immune responses. Graves' disease (GD) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the presence of autoantibodies against Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Receptor (TSHR). The autoantibodies bind with TSHR and stimulate thyroid hormone production. Dendritic cells are still the major APC in GD immune response although thyrocytes in GD can also express Major Histocompatibility Class (MHC) class II molecule. Studies about DC in GD have been conducted by isolating intra-thyroid DC or DC in peripheral circulation. Results of DC studies in GD are still controversial. Changes in number and profile of DC are found, which indicate altered immune response activity and defects of regulator T cell (Treg) in GD.