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Intrathyroidal MHC class II antigen expression and thyroid autoimmunity.
1Division of Endocrinology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York.
Summary
The human thyroid gland expresses MHC class II antigens, particularly HLA-DR, which may explain links between MHC gene variations and autoimmune thyroid disease. This expression, driven by T cells, likely plays a role in immune responses within the thyroid.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
- Genetics
Background:
- The link between Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) gene variations and autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) is complex.
- MHC class II antigen expression by thyroid cells may offer mechanistic insights into this association.
- Previous studies in animal and human populations suggest a role for MHC in AITD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of MHC class II antigens in human thyroid cells.
- To explore the potential role of thyroid cell MHC class II expression in the pathogenesis of autoimmune thyroid disease.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of human thyroid tissue for HLA-DR (MHC class II) antigen expression.
- Investigation of the role of intrathyroidal T lymphocytes and lymphokines in mediating MHC class II expression.
Main Results:
- Evidence of HLA-DR antigen expression in both normal and abnormal human thyroid cells.
- Enhanced expression of HLA-DR was observed in patients with autoimmune thyroid disease.
- MHC class II expression appears to be primarily mediated by lymphokine secretion from intrathyroidal T lymphocytes.
Conclusions:
- Thyroid cell HLA-DR antigen expression is implicated in T cell activation and amplification.
- Thyroid cell MHC class II antigens likely present thyroid antigens to the immune system.
- The precise relationship between these immune interactions and the initiation of autoimmune thyroid disease requires further investigation.