What are antithyroid antibodies?

Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system that help to fight infections. They are usually produced in response to the introduction of foreign substances into the body. In some situations, the immune system may produce antibodies that act against integral pats of the body, causing inflammation and damage. This process is referred to as autoimmunity. In some situations, the body may generate antibodies that act against the tissue in the thyroid gland. This may result in inflammation that may eventually cause enough damage to lead to underactivity of the thyroid gland. These antithyroid antibodies can often be detected with special blood tests. Antithyroid antibody tests include

Anti-microsomal or Anti-TPO antibodies

Anti-Thyroglobulin antibodies

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