The research group of Hui Jin and Hisashi Arase (Immunochemistry, IFReC/RIMD, Osaka University) found that autoantibodies in patients with Graves' disease preferentially recognize TSHRs complexed with MHC class II molecules of Graves' disease risk alleles.

Figure:
Autoimmune tolerance is maintained against normal TSHRs. However, if MHC class II molecules are abnormally expressed, TSHRs are deformed and their antigenicity changes. As a result, autoimmune tolerance is disrupted and thyroid-stimulating autoantibodies are produced.

Commentary (PDF)


Article (External link)

Contact:

Hisashi Arase (Immunochemistry)

+81-6-6879-8291
arasebiken.osaka-u.ac.jp
WPI Osaka University Immunology Frontier Research Center