Conclusion
Our findings suggest that more frequent IGF-IR(+) T cells in GD cannot be attributed to genetic determinants. Rather, this skew appears to be acquired. These results underscore the potential role of nongenetic, acquired factors in genetically susceptible individuals.
Objective
The aim of the study was to determine whether the increased frequency of IGF-IR-expressing T and B cells in GD
Results
Twins with GD display increased IGF-IR-expressing CD3(+) T cells and T cell subsets including total CD4(+), CD4(+) naive, CD4(+) memory, and CD8(+) cells (P < 0.0001, P = 0.0001, P = 0.0003, P = 0.01, and P = 0.02, respectively) compared to healthy twins. The frequency of IGF-IR-expressing B cells from affected twins was increased relative to healthy controls (P = 0.009). In pairs discordant for GD, affected twins exhibited increased frequency of IGF-IR(+) CD3(+), CD4(+), and CD4(+) naive T cells (P < 0.05, P = 0.03, and P = 0.03, respectively) compared to their healthy twin.