GITR-dependent regulation of 4-1BB expression: implications for T cell memory and anti-4-1BB-induced pathology

The TNFR family member 4-1BB plays a key role in the survival of activated and memory CD8 T cells. However, the mechanisms that regulate 4-1BB re-expression on memory CD8 T cells after Ag clearance are unknown. In unimmunized mice, ∼10% of CD8 CD44(hi) memory T cells in the bone marrow (BM) and liver express 4-1BB, with minimal 4-1BB expression in spleen and lymph node. IL-2, IL-15, and IL-7 are collectively dispensable for 4-1BB expression on the memory CD8 T cells. Rather, T cell-intrinsic glucocorticoid-induced TNFR-related protein (GITR) contributes to 4-1BB expression on CD8 T cells upon their entry into the BM or liver. Consistent with its role in regulation of 4-1BB, GITR is required on memory CD8 T cells for their persistence in vivo. These findings reveal site-specific effects of the BM and liver microenvironment on CD8 memory T cells. Previous work has demonstrated that 4-1BB agonists given to unimmunized mice induce splenomegaly, hepatitis, and other immune system anomalies. Moreover, severe liver pathology has been observed in a subset of anti-4-1BB-treated melanoma patients. Remarkably, the absence of GITR in mice almost completely abrogates cellular expansions, splenomegaly, and liver inflammation associated with anti-4-1BB agonist treatment of unimmunized mice. In contrast, lack of CD8 T cells selectively improves liver pathology, but not splenomegaly in the mice. Thus, the regulation of 4-1BB expression by GITR on CD8 T cells, as well as on other cells, contributes to the pathological effects of anti-4-1BB in unimmunized mice.