Thyroid Autoimmune Disease: New Insights and Surroundings

Autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITDs), including Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and Graves' Disease, are the most common organ-specific autoimmune disorders, with a growing prevalence worldwide. Their pathogenesis is known to be multifactorial, arising from a complex interplay between genetic susceptibility and a multitude of environmental triggers. Furthermore, a significant number of cases are now recognized as being induced by drugs, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors and alemtuzumab, which trigger a de novo immune response against the thyroid. Although research has elucidated many aspects of the mechanisms underlying the breakdown of immunological tolerance, significant gaps in our understanding persist. Recent scientific evidence has shifted the focus towards new players in the pathogenic process, such as the role of the gut microbiome, the impact of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), and epigenetic alterations. This Research Topic also extends its scope to Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), a debilitating extrathyroidal manifestation that shares common immunological triggers with AITDs. A thorough understanding of these complex interactions is crucial to move beyond current therapeutic approaches, which are often limited to symptom management, and to develop targeted preventive and curative strategies.



This Research Topic aims to curate an authoritative and interdisciplinary collection of the latest advancements in the understanding of AITDs. The primary objective is to bridge the gap between basic research and clinical application, highlighting discoveries that are reshaping our approach to these conditions. We want to stimulate a scientific debate on how "new insights" into environmental triggers and immunological mechanisms can be translated into earlier diagnostic tools, reliable prognostic markers, and, most importantly, innovative therapeutic strategies. The collection aims to provide a cutting-edge overview that can not only update the scientific community but also inspire new research directions. Specifically, we intend to promote work that explores emerging molecular targets and personalized medicine approaches, with the ultimate goal of improving patients' quality of life and moving towards an etiological, rather than symptomatic, management of AITDs.



We invite the submission of contributions addressing the broad spectrum of autoimmune thyroid diseases, with a specific focus on the following sub-themes:



· The role of the gut microbiome and the "gut-thyroid axis" in the pathogenesis of AITDs.



· The impact of environmental factors, including pollutants, endocrine disruptors, and diet, on thyroid autoimmunity.



· Drug-induced thyroid autoimmunity (e.g., from immune checkpoint inhibitors, alemtuzumab).



· Epigenetic mechanisms (DNA methylation, histone modifications, ncRNAs) regulating disease susceptibility and progression.



· New frontiers in the pathogenesis and treatment of Thyroid Eye Disease (TED).



· The role of different lymphocyte subpopulations (e.g., Th17, Tregs) and innate immunity.



· Development and validation of novel biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic response.



· Emerging therapeutic approaches: small molecules, biological therapies, immunomodulation, and tolerance-inducing strategies. We are interested in receiving Original Research, Review, Mini-Review, and Clinical Trial manuscripts. Contributions that combine basic, translational, and clinical research will be particularly welcome.