Thyrotrophin (TSH) binding sites on Yersinia enterocolitica recognized by immunoglobulins from humans with Graves' disease

Abstract

Antibodies against the gram negative enteric bacterium Yersinia enterocolitica have been found in a high proportion of persons with autoimmune thyroid disorders, especially in those with Graves' disease or hyperthyroidism (Shenkman & Bottone, 1981). There is strong evidence that Graves' disease is caused by receptor autoantibodies which mimic the bioeffects of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) on the thyroid (Manley, Knight & Adams, 1982). Recently, saturable binding sites for TSH were demonstrated in Y. enterocolitica under non-physiological conditions. We have characterized TSH binding sites on Y. enterocolitica under physiological conditions and studied their interaction with Graves' immu..