Autoimmune Disease Trigger Associated with Thymoma Tumors
By LabMedica International staff writers Posted on 16 Mar 2017 |
Image: The pituitary-specific transcription factor PIT-1 plays an essential role in producing growth hormone (GH), thyroid stimulation hormone (TSH), and prolactin (PRL). Researchers have discovered that a thymoma was detected in examined cases of “anti-PIT-1 antibody syndrome”. PIT-1 expression was abnormally increased within the thymoma and this likely evoked the immune tolerance breakdown and hypopituitarism that occurs in patients with this autoimmune disorder (Photo courtesy of Kobe University).
Researchers have discovered that a newly-identified autoimmune endocrine disease – “Anti-PIT-1 antibody syndrome” – that leads to hypopituitarism is likely caused by overexpression of PIT-1 in the thymoma type of tumor originating from the thymic gland.
The study was led by associate Prof. Yutaka Takahashi, research fellow Hironori Bando, and associate Prof. Genzo Iguchi of Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan. The pituitary gland plays a central role in regulating various hormones. In previous studies, Prof. Takahashi’s research team discovered a new clinical entity caused by autoimmunity against PIT-1, a critical pituitary-specific transcription factor. Because anti-PIT-1 antibodies were detected in patients with this disease, the group named it anti-PIT-1 antibody syndrome. However, it remained unclear why the breakdown of immune tolerance against PIT-1 occurred.
In this new study, the team discovered that a thymoma was detected in examined cases of anti-PIT-1 antibody syndrome. Cytotoxic T cells can destroy tumor cells as a part of immune responses. In the thymic cortex, T cells are trained to be able to recognize various antigens (positive selection), and in the medulla, T cells that react with self-antigens are deleted (negative selection). However, in anti-PIT-1 antibody syndrome, PIT-1 expression is abnormally increased in thymoma cells, therefore T cells that react to PIT-1 are produced and an autoimmunity is triggered, evoking the immune tolerance breakdown in the patients.
“Around 20% of hypopituitarism cases are caused by unknown factors. This discovery has clarified one of the causes,” said Prof. Takahashi, “We hope that this discovery will contribute to more effective diagnosis and treatment for patients suffering from autoimmune pituitary diseases, hypopituitarism, and thymomas.”
The study, by Bando H et al, was published online February 20, 2017, in the journal Scientific Reports.
The study was led by associate Prof. Yutaka Takahashi, research fellow Hironori Bando, and associate Prof. Genzo Iguchi of Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan. The pituitary gland plays a central role in regulating various hormones. In previous studies, Prof. Takahashi’s research team discovered a new clinical entity caused by autoimmunity against PIT-1, a critical pituitary-specific transcription factor. Because anti-PIT-1 antibodies were detected in patients with this disease, the group named it anti-PIT-1 antibody syndrome. However, it remained unclear why the breakdown of immune tolerance against PIT-1 occurred.
In this new study, the team discovered that a thymoma was detected in examined cases of anti-PIT-1 antibody syndrome. Cytotoxic T cells can destroy tumor cells as a part of immune responses. In the thymic cortex, T cells are trained to be able to recognize various antigens (positive selection), and in the medulla, T cells that react with self-antigens are deleted (negative selection). However, in anti-PIT-1 antibody syndrome, PIT-1 expression is abnormally increased in thymoma cells, therefore T cells that react to PIT-1 are produced and an autoimmunity is triggered, evoking the immune tolerance breakdown in the patients.
“Around 20% of hypopituitarism cases are caused by unknown factors. This discovery has clarified one of the causes,” said Prof. Takahashi, “We hope that this discovery will contribute to more effective diagnosis and treatment for patients suffering from autoimmune pituitary diseases, hypopituitarism, and thymomas.”
The study, by Bando H et al, was published online February 20, 2017, in the journal Scientific Reports.
Latest Pathology News
- Robotic Blood Drawing Device to Revolutionize Sample Collection for Diagnostic Testing
- Use of DICOM Images for Pathology Diagnostics Marks Significant Step towards Standardization
- First of Its Kind Universal Tool to Revolutionize Sample Collection for Diagnostic Tests
- AI-Powered Digital Imaging System to Revolutionize Cancer Diagnosis
- New Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Panel to Support Real-Time Surveillance and Combat Antimicrobial Resistance
- New Method Offers Sustainable Approach to Universal Metabolic Cancer Diagnosis
- Spatial Tissue Analysis Identifies Patterns Associated With Ovarian Cancer Relapse
- Unique Hand-Warming Technology Supports High-Quality Fingertip Blood Sample Collection
- Image-Based AI Shows Promise for Parasite Detection in Digitized Stool Samples
- Deep Learning Powered AI Algorithms Improve Skin Cancer Diagnostic Accuracy
- Microfluidic Device for Cancer Detection Precisely Separates Tumor Entities
- Virtual Skin Biopsy Determines Presence of Cancerous Cells
- AI Detects Viable Tumor Cells for Accurate Bone Cancer Prognoses Post Chemotherapy
- First Ever Technique Identifies Single Cancer Cells in Blood for Targeted Treatments
- Innovative Blood Collection Device Overcomes Common Obstacles Related to Phlebotomy
- Intra-Operative POC Device Distinguishes Between Benign and Malignant Ovarian Cysts within 15 Minutes