Figure 1.
Model of GITR function during an immune response. During the initial phase of priming, naïve T cells are activated by interactions between the TCR and MHC molecules, receiving co-stimulation through CD28 binding to either CD80 or CD86. After passing this checkpoint, activated T cells enter secondary rounds of priming and expansion, upregulating GITR 24–72 h after this initial activation. If GITR-L is expressed by DCs, it alters both the quality and the quantity of the ensuing immune response. The net result of which is enhanced inflammatory response, with increased persistence of the antigen-specific T cells.