Virus and autoimmune thyroid diseases 

The aim of this study is to elucidate whether viruses may cause thyroid dysfunction in genetically predisposed patients. Our group is the first to study directly thyroid tissue in different stages of disease and Hashimoto in search for enterovirus and other virus, and viral footprints. We reported that virus very often present in the thyroid tissue. 

Furthermore, in collaboration with Prof. Tomer we performed invitro studies to test the effect of hepatitis C infection in primary thyrocytes and donor pancreatic beta cells. The results showed that stimulation of thyrocytes with HCV proteins or infection with HCV induced upregulation of molecules and cytokines involved in thyroid autoimmunity. 

We want to further perform an intervention study with antiviral medication in patients with thyroid autoimmunity to stop the progression of the disease (currently applying for funding).