Autoimmune thyroid diseases and Th17/Treg lymphocytes

Years of researches have demonstrated that the imbalance of Th17 and Tregs contribute to the thyroid autoimmunity and the severity of autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD). The underlying mechanism comprises inherent genetic predisposition, abnormality of Th17 and Treg related biological molecules, and gut microbiota disorder. New therapeutic strategies have been developed to improve the Th17/Treg equilibrium, including regulation of intracellular signaling pathways, neutralization of Th17-related cytokines, as well as manipulation of Th17 and Treg specific transcription factors. Although a few of these agents are applied into AITD, the clinic prospect is promising.