About this Research Topic
The receptor for thyroid stimulating hormone (TSHR) has captured our interest and imagination since it is a major human antigen in autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD). Although the primary role of the TSHR is thyroid cell growth and function, the presence of this receptor in other tissues has attracted a lot of attention on its role in these tissues and as a plausible therapeutic target. Furthermore, anti-TSHR autoantibodies (TRAb) have an important role in the pathogenesis of Graves’ disease and Graves’ orbitopathy. The present research topic aims to provide updated reviews on TSHR structure and function, its relationship with thyroid autoimmunity and the recent developments in targeting this receptor in the thyroid and in extrathyroidal tissues. Another issue that we want to address is the multifaceted nature of TRAbs and their role in the diagnosis and prognosis of Graves’ disease with the most recent data on the clinical applications of TRAb assays. Furthermore, in addition to the role of TSHR in thyroid autoimmunity we aim to review the functional role of TSHR in fibroblasts, retro-orbital tissue, adipocytes, bone cells and thymus.
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
