Description
Activation-Inducible TNF-Related Ligand (AITRL), also known as Glucocorticoid-Induced TNF-Related Ligand (GITRL), belongs to the tumor necrosis factor superfamily (TNFSF). AITRL is a Type II single transmembrane protein and shares low conservation within the extracellular domain with other TNFSF members. AITRL is expressed on macrophages, immature and mature dendritic cells and B cells. Its receptor, Activation-Inducible TNFR family Receptor (AITR), is expressed on T lymphocytes, natural killer (NK) cells, and antigen- presenting cells. After binding by AITRL, AITR can be released. AITR activation increases resistance to tumors and viral infections and is involved in autoimmune and inflammatory processes. In addition, activated AITR increases TCR-induced T cell proliferation and cytokine production and rescues T cells and NK cells from apoptosis.