gene polymorphisms and thyroid expression of PD-1 ligands differ between Graves' and Hashimoto's diseases.

The programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)/PD ligand pathway plays a key role in the maintenance of peripheral tolerance by enhancing the suppressive activity of regulatory T (Treg) cells. The promoter activity of the A allele of rs36084323 G/A polymorphism is lower than that of the G allele. We examined the association of gene polymorphisms, PD-1 expression on Treg cells, and thyroid PD-1/PD-1 ligand (PD-L1) expression with the pathogenesis of autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD).