Glucocorticoid-induced TNFR Family-Related Receptor Ligand (GITRL) Antibodies for Diagnosis and Treatment of Immune System Disorders

This technology provides novel antibodies and methods for diagnostics and treatment of disorders arising from dysregulation of the immune system using antibodies directed against glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor family-related receptor ligand (GITRL). Also available are hybridomas producing anti-mouse GITRL monoclonal antibodies (clone 5F1).

Glucocorticoid-induced TNFR family-related receptor (GITR, also known as TNFRSF18) is expressed on the surface of responder T cells (CD4+CD25- or CD8+CD25- T cells). Upon activation of the immune response, GITR is up-regulated and binds to its ligand, GITRL (also known as TNFSF18), which enhances the immune response. The inventors have developed anti-GITRL monoclonal antibodies that block the interaction between GITR and GITRL, and have demonstrated in in vitro experiments that administration of these blocking antibodies can suppress the immune response. These antibodies may be useful for treatment of immune system disorders such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory diseases.