Current understanding of pathogenesis of Graves ophthalmopathy

Graves ophthalmopathy most frequently develops in a patient suffering from Graves disease in which autoantibodies to a target antigen, thyrotropin receptor, activate the autoantigen leading to hyperthyroidism. It is well known that in Graves ophthalmopathy inflammatory cells infiltrate and hydrophobic glycosaminoglycan accumulates in the retro -occular tissues. However, in contrast to Graves disease, little has been known as to how this eye disease develops. Here we review recent advance in understanding of pathogenesis of Graves ophthalmopathy.