Thyrotropin-receptor-mediated diseases: a paradigm for receptor autoimmunity.
Autoantibodies to the thyrotropin receptor (TSHR) can act as thyrotropin agonists or antagonists, or can cause thyroid hypertrophy. Neither the autoantibody-binding sites on the TSHR nor the intracellular mechanisms by which the autoantibodies mediate their diverse functional effects are completely understood. This article reviews how cloning of the TSHR has contributed to our understanding of its structure and function, and has allowed induction of experimental autoimmunity to the TSHR.
Prabhakar
B S
BS
Dept of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston 77555-1019, USA. bprabhak@msp06.med.utmb.edu
Fan
J L
JL
Seetharamaiah
G S
GS
D000486:Allergy and Immunology / Q000639:trends; D000818:Animals; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000096:biosynthesis; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D015551:Autoimmunity; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D018076:DNA, Complementary / Q000235:genetics; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D011989:Receptors, Thyrotropin / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D013959:Thyroid Diseases / Q000209:etiology
D001323:Autoantibodies; D018076:DNA, Complementary; D011989:Receptors, Thyrotropin