In children with autoimmune thyroiditis CTLA4 and FCRL3 genes--but not PTPN22--are overexpressed when compared to adults.
BACKGROUND: Numerous genetic studies revealed several susceptibility genes of autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD), including CTLA4, PTPN22 and FCRL3. These immune-modulating genes are involved in genetic background of AITD among children and adult patients. However, possible age-related differences in overexpression of these genes remain.....