Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 7, 2026
An Orthotopic Mouse Model of Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma
Published on: April 17, 2013
Animal models of Graves' disease and Graves' orbitopathy
Yuji Nagayama1, Mami Nakahara, Norio Abiru
1aDepartment of Molecular Medicine, Atomic Bomb Disease Institute, Nagasaki University bDepartment of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Unit of Translational Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan.
Purpose Of Review:
The purpose of this article is to summarize the recent advances on experimental Graves' hyperthyroidism and orbitopathy as studied in two widely used mouse models, which involve repetitive genetic vaccinations using either adenovirus or in-vivo electroporation of the eukaryotic expression plasmid expressing the thyrotropin receptor (TSHR) as a vector.
Recent Findings:
The models have been improved by using different types of antigens, including the holo receptor, the receptor A-subunit, an alternatively spliced form of variant receptor lacking a single leucine-rich repeat in the codomain, the receptors of human or mouse origin; different mice such as wild-type, TSHR knockout, TSHR transgenic and different inbred mice; and different immunization protocols. They are now useful for elucidating the pathogenic mechanisms of not only Graves' hyperthyroidism but also Graves' orbitopathy.
Summary:
This review summarizes the literature of mouse models of Graves' hyperthyroidism and orbitopathy published over the last 3 years.
Insights
Recent advances in mouse models for Graves
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder affecting the thyroid and eye.
- Mouse models are crucial for understanding its pathogenesis.
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) is the primary autoantigen.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in experimental mouse models for Graves' hyperthyroidism and orbitopathy.
- To highlight the utility of genetic vaccination strategies.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing adenovirus or in-vivo electroporation for genetic vaccination.
- Employing various thyrotropin receptor (TSHR) antigens (holo receptor, A-subunit, variant forms).
- Testing different mouse strains (wild-type, TSHR knockout/transgenic, inbred) and immunization protocols.
Main Results:
- Mouse models have been refined using diverse antigens, mouse models, and immunization strategies.
- These models effectively replicate key features of Graves' hyperthyroidism and orbitopathy.
- The models facilitate the elucidation of disease mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Recent improvements have enhanced the utility of mouse models for studying Graves' disease.
- These models are valuable tools for investigating the complex pathogenesis of Graves' hyperthyroidism and orbitopathy.
- This review covers literature from the past three years.
