[5][6] GITR human orthologue, also called activation-inducible TNFR family receptor (AITR), is encoded by the TNFRSF18 gene at chromosome 1.

[9] Human activation-inducible tumor necrosis factor receptor (AITR) and its ligand, AITRL, are important costimulatory molecules in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases.

[10] GITR was identified as a new member of the TNF receptor superfamily, by comparing gene expression in untreated and DEX-treated murine T-cell lines.

[13][15][11][14] GITR does not have any enzymatic activity and signaling is propagated via recruiting TRAF-family members, specifically TRAF1, TRAF2 and TRAF5, to the GITR-signaling complex.

[11][17] Asthma model: GITR activation drives an infiltration of eosinophils to the lungs and induces production of cytokines.

Model of arthritis: GITR activation increase numbers of Th17 cells in secondary lymphoid organs and stimulate cytokine production.

Inhibition of GITR-GITRL pathway potentially may decrease a severity of different diseases, as asthma, arthritis or atopic dermatitis.