Genetic factors that may contribute to the pathogenesis of Graves' disease. Some genetic factors which may be important in Graves' disease are listed in Fig. 17.15. While the TSH-R appears unaltered, there are reported changes in T-cell receptors of intrathyroidal T cells. TSH-R antibodies appear to be derived from a restricted number of B-cell clones. HLA/DR3 associations are relatively weak and disappointing, The female sex predominance of Graves' disease, and that of all of the autoimmune thyroid diseases, favour a role for female sex hormones.
