GITRL, also known as TNF superfamily member 18,a type II transmembrane protein, is a ligand for glucocorticoidinduced TNFR-related protein (GITR). It has been shown to modulate T lymphocyte survival in peripheral tissues. This cytokine is also found to be expressed in endothelial cells and is thought to be important for the interaction between T lymphocytes and endothelial cells. Recent evidence suggests that the GITR/GITRL system participates in the development of inflammatory responses, including shock, either due to the early response of neutrophils and macrophages or together with autoimmune/allergic pathogenesis.