Glucocorticoid-Induced TNF Receptor (GITR)

Abstract

GITR is a type I transmembrane protein with significant homology, particularly within the cytoplasmic domain, to other tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor family members such as 4-1BB, OX40, and CD27. Initially identified following dexamethasone treatment of a murine T cell hybridoma line (Nocentini et al. 1997), GITR was subsequently characterized in human lymphocytes as a 241 amino acid, 25 kDa protein encoded by the TNFSFR18 gene on chromosome 1p36. Since its identification, preclincal studies have demonstrated that ligation of GITR with agonist antibodies could results in clearance of established tumors. This has lead to interest in GITR as a target for immunotherapy with multiple agents currently in phase 1 development.