title: The IgG subclass distribution of thyroid autoantibodies.
abstract: There have been several conflicting reports concerning the subclass distribution of thyroid autoantibodies. We have therefore reinvestigated this with both a radioimmunoassay and an ELISA based on the use of a variety of monoclonal antibodies. Our results demonstrate the presence of subclasses IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4 in both thyroglobulin and microsomal autoantibodies from patients with either Graves' disease or Hashimoto's thyroiditis. However, in many patients there is over-representation of the IgG4 subclass. We also found marked differences in the binding characteristics of monoclonal antibodies directed against the same subclasses, underlining the need for appropriate selection of such monoclonal reagents in any assay.
mesh_terms: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000145:classification*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D006111:Graves Disease / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000145:classification* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D011863:Radioimmunoassay; D013961:Thyroid Gland / Q000276:immunology*; D013967:Thyroiditis, Autoimmune / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D001323:Autoantibodies; D007074:Immunoglobulin G