The Role of GITR/GITRL Interaction in Autoimmune Diseases

• Main Authors: Jie Tian, Beibei Zhang, Ke Rui, Shengjun Wang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2020-10-01
• Series: Frontiers in Immunology
• Subjects: glucocorticoid-induced TNFR-related protein; GITRL; T cell; myeloid cells; autoimmune diseases
• Online Access: https://www.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fimmu.2020.588682/full

Glucocorticoid-induced TNFR-related protein (GITR) is a member of the TNFR superfamily which is expressed in various cells, including T cells, natural killer cells and some myeloid cells. GITR is activated by its ligand, GITRL, mainly expressed on antigen presenting cells and endothelial cells. It has been acknowledged that the engagement of GITR can modulate both innate and adaptive immune responses. Accumulated evidence suggests GITR/GITRL interaction is involved in the pathogenesis of tumor, inflammation and autoimmune diseases. In this review, we describe the effects of GITR/GITRL activation on effector T cells, regulatory T cells (Tregs) and myeloid cells; summarize its role and the underlying mechanisms in modulating autoimmune diseases.