T-cell exhaustion (Tex) can be beneficial in autoimmune diseases, but its role in Graves’ disease (GD), an autoimmune disorder of the thyroid, remains unknown. This study investigated Tex-related gene expression in GD patients to discern the potential contributions of these genes to GD pathogenesis and immune regulation.
Through gene landscape analysis, a protein–protein interaction network of 40 Tex-related genes was constructed. mRNA expression levels were compared between GD patients and healthy control (HCs). Unsupervised clustering categorized GD cases into subtypes, revealing distinctions in gene expression, immune cell infiltration, and immune responses. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis and differential gene expression profiling identified potential therapeutic targets. RT-qPCR validation of candidate gene expression was performed using blood samples from 112 GD patients. Correlations between Tex-related gene expression and clinical indicators were analyzed.
Extensive Tex-related gene interactions were observed, with six genes displaying aberrant expression in GD patients. This was associated with atypical immune cell infiltration and regulation. Cluster analysis delineated two GD subtypes, revealing notable variations in gene expression and immune responses. Screening efforts identified diverse drug candidates for GD treatment. The Tex-related gene
Tex-related genes modulate GD pathogenesis, and their grouping aids subtype differentiation and exploration of therapeutic targets.