TSH receptor antibodies are directed against TSH receptors on thyroid follicular cells. In Grave's disease these antibodies bind to TSH receptors and stimulate release of thyroid hormone.

Diagnosis of Grave's disease is usually made clinically in patients with overt manifestations of Grave's such as ophthalmopathy.

TSH receptor antibodies are a useful test for determining the cause of hyperthyroidism in patients without clear features of Grave's.