The etiology of autoimmune thyroid disease: A story of genes and environment

Yaron Tomer, Amanda Huber

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

265 Scopus citations

Abstract

Autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITDs), including Graves' disease (GD) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) are prevalent autoimmune diseases, affecting up to 5% of the general population. Autoimmune thyroid diseases arise due to complex interactions between environmental and genetic factors. Significant progress has been made in our understanding of the genetic and environmental triggers contributing to AITD. However, the interactions between genes and environment are yet to be defined. Among the major AITD susceptibility genes that have been identified and characterized is the HLA-DR gene locus, as well as non-MHC genes including the CTLA-4, CD40, PTPN22, thyroglobulin, and TSH receptor genes. The major environmental triggers of AITD include iodine, medications, infection, smoking, and possibly stress. Recent data on the genetic predisposition to AITD lead to novel putative mechanisms by which the genetic-environmental interactions may lead to the development of thyroid autoimmunity.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)231-239
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Autoimmunity
Volume32
Issue number3-4
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2009
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Environment
  • Genes
  • Graves' Disease
  • Hashimoto's thyroiditis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Immunology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The etiology of autoimmune thyroid disease: A story of genes and environment'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this