Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026
07:12
Mouse Naïve CD4+ T Cell Isolation and In vitro Differentiation into T Cell Subsets
Published on: April 16, 2015
GITR: a modulator of immune response and inflammation
Giuseppe Nocentini1, Carlo Riccardi
1Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Sezione di Farmacologia, Università di Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06100, Perugia, Italy.
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|September 18, 2009
Summary
The Glucocorticoid-Induced TNFR-Related (GITR) protein and its ligand (GITRL) modulate immune responses, impacting autoimmune diseases, infections, and tumors. Understanding their mechanisms offers potential therapeutic strategies.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Glucocorticoid-Induced TNFR-Related (GITR) protein is part of the Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily (TNFRSF).
- GITR is expressed on immune cells like T cells and NK cells, interacting with its ligand GITRL found on APCs and endothelial cells.
- The GITR/GITRL system plays a role in immune regulation, autoimmune diseases, and responses to infections and tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the structural characteristics of GITR and GITRL.
- To elucidate the signal transduction pathways activated by GITR.
- To explore the multifaceted effects of GITR/GITRL system interactions on immune cell interplay and potential therapeutic applications.
Main Methods:
- Structural analysis of GITR and GITRL.
- Investigation of GITR-mediated signal transduction pathways.
- Analysis of immune cell interactions and functional outcomes.
Main Results:
- The GITR/GITRL system influences acquired and innate immunity through various mechanisms.
- Key mechanisms include co-activation of effector T cells, inhibition of regulatory T cells (Tregs), NK cell co-activation, macrophage activation, DC modulation, and regulation of cell extravasation.
- The study provides insights into the complex interplay between different immune cells mediated by GITR/GITRL.
Conclusions:
- The GITR/GITRL system is a critical regulator of immune responses with implications in various pathological conditions.
- Understanding the structural features, signaling pathways, and cellular interactions of GITR/GITRL is crucial for developing novel therapeutic strategies.
- Modulators targeting the GITR/GITRL pathway hold promise for treating autoimmune diseases, graft-versus-host disease, infections, and cancers.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Inflammatory Response
An inflammatory response is a localized, nonspecific immune reaction that occurs when a tissue is injured. It is characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain, which are commonly called the cardinal signs and symptoms of inflammation. Inflammation can sometimes result in a loss of function.
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
01:24T Cell Types and Functions
When T cells with CD4 markers are activated, they give rise to two types of effector cells: helper T cells and regulatory T cells. Meanwhile, T cells with CD8 markers differentiate into effector cytotoxic T cells. The differentiation of CD4 T cells into helper T cell subsets, such as Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, is dependent on the antigen type, antigen-presenting cell, and regulatory cytokines.
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
01:28Inflammation: Introduction
Inflammation is a fundamental, protective biological response of vascularized tissues to cellular injury, infection, or harmful stimuli. Its primary function is to eliminate the initial cause of injury, clear necrotic cells and damaged tissue, and initiate the necessary repair processes.Cardinal SignsAcute inflammation presents with classic signs. Redness results from vasodilation and increased blood flow. Heat is due to increased metabolism and circulation. Swelling results from the...
01:38Inflammation
Overview
01:25Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease
Crohn’s disease is a chronic, relapsing form of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by segmental, transmural inflammation that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Its pathogenesis arises from a combination of genetic susceptibility, environmental exposures, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and immune dysregulation. Together, these factors lead to an exaggerated immune response against components of the gut microbiome.Genetic and Environmental InfluencesMultiple genetic...
01:30Inflammatory Response I: Vascular and Cellular
The inflammatory response is the body's defense against infection, injury, or irritation from bacteria, trauma, toxins, or heat. Inflammation helps locate and destroy pathogens and remove damaged tissue elements to heal the body. During this initial phase, fluid, blood products, and nutrients migrate to the injured area, resulting in redness, heat, swelling, ache, and loss of function. Moreover, signs of systemic inflammation include fever, increased WBC count, malaise, anorexia, nausea,...