Modulation of T Cell Function by Alpha-Fetoprotein: An in vivo Study on Porcine Thyroid Peroxidase-Induced Experimental Autoimmune Thyroiditis in Transgenic Mice Producing Human Alpha-Fetoprotein

Experimental autoimmune thyroiditis was induced in transgenic mice (TG-3) producing human α-fetoprotein (AFP) and in control mice by immunization of porcine thyroid peroxidase (TPO). Development of thyroiditis accompanied with mononuclear cell infiltration was observed in 6 out of 8 treated control mice. In contrast, the development was significantly suppressed in TG-3 mice and mild histologic change was observed in only 1 out of 8 TG-3 mice (p