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Updated: Jan 21, 2026

Generation of a Mouse Spontaneous Autoimmune Thyroiditis Model
Published on: March 17, 2023
The role of cell mediated immunopathogenesis in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy
Zhen-Mao Wang1, Zheng-Yan Wang2, Yan Lu3
1Joint Shantou International Eye Center of Shantou University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou 515000, Guangdong Province, China.
Abstract:
Currently, thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) lacks effective treatment due to our lack of clarity in its immunopathogenesis. Orbital fibroblasts play a key role in altering inflammation and immune response in TAO, and are considered as the key target and effector cells in its pathogenesis. The orbit infiltrating CD34+ fibrocytes add on to the process by expressing high levels of autoantigens and inflammatory cytokines, while also differentiating into myofibroblasts or adipocytes. This review focuses on the role of orbital fibroblasts and CD34+ fibrocytes in the pathogenesis of TAO, highlighting the basis of emerging treatments.
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