What is the Origin of Thyroid Autoimmunity?

The term is a combination of "thyroid," referring to the gland, and "autoimmunity," derived from the Greek autos (self) and the Latin immunitas (freedom from disease). The concept of the immune system attacking the body's own tissues was established in the mid-20th century, with the discovery of thyroid-specific antibodies confirming the autoimmune nature of these common thyroid disorders.

What is the Mechanism of Thyroid Autoimmunity?

The mechanism involves the presentation of thyroid antigens to T-cells, which then initiate a cascade of immune activation. In Hashimoto's, cytotoxic T-cells and antibodies against thyroid peroxidase (TPO) and thyroglobulin (Tg) progressively destroy the follicular cells, impairing hormone synthesis. In Graves' disease, the immune system produces a stimulating antibody that mimics Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH), inappropriately activating the TSH receptor and causing hormone overproduction.

Thyroid Autoimmunity ∞ Area

Thyroid Autoimmunity

Meaning

Thyroid autoimmunity is a pathological state where the body’s immune system mistakenly produces antibodies that attack components of the thyroid gland, leading to chronic inflammation and dysfunction. The two primary clinical manifestations are Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, which causes hypothyroidism, and Graves’ disease, which results in hyperthyroidism. This condition represents a failure of immunological self-tolerance specific to the endocrine system. Management requires careful monitoring of hormone levels and immune markers.