SummaryGlucocorticoid-induced tumour necrosis factor receptor-related receptor (GITR) costimulates functions of both effector and regulatory T cells. The administration of agonistic anti-GITR monoclonal antibodies efficiently enhances various T-cell-mediated immune responses; however, it is unknown to what extent the ligand of GITR (GITRL) contributes to T-cell responses. We investigated the involvement of endogenously expressed GITRL on dendritic cells and ectopically expressed GITRL on tumours in T-cell-mediated immunity. Expression of GITRL on dendritic cells in secondary lymphoid organs was limited, and treatment with anti-GITRL monoclonal antibodies did not substantially affect T-cell-mediated immunity to alloantigens, a specific protein antigen (ovalbumin), or tumour antigens. The introduction of GITRL promoted anti-tumour immunity in four tumour models. Tumour-associated GITRL greatly augmented the effector function of CD8 + T cells and enhanced the contribution of CD8 + T cells. These events reduced the crucial contribution of CD25 + CD4 + regulatory T cells, which were found to inhibit immunity against tumours lacking GITRL. Peritumoral injection of GITRL tumour vaccine efficiently inhibited the growth of established tumours. Our results suggest that the ectopic expression of GITRL in tumour cells enhances anti-tumour immunity at peripheral tumour sites. Consequently, the combined use of a GIT-RL tumour vaccine with methods aimed at enhancing the activation of host antigen-presenting cells in secondary lymphoid tissues may be a promising strategy for tumour immunotherapy.

Abstract. Vertical misfit of implant-abutment interface can affect the success of implant treatment; however, currently available modalities have limitations to detect these gaps. This study aimed to evaluate implant-abutment gaps in vitro using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Vertical misfit gaps sized 50, 100, 150, or 200 μm were created between external hexagonal implants and titanium abutments (Nobel Biocare, Göteborg, Sweden). A porcine gingival tissue slice, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, or 2.0 mm in thickness, was placed on each implant-abutment interface. The gaps were evaluated by swept-source OCT at a center wavelength of 1330 nm (Panasonic Healthcare, Ehime, Japan) with beam angles of 90, 75 and 60 deg to the implant long-axis. The results suggested that while the measurements were precise, gap size and gingival thickness affected the sensitivity of detection. Gaps sized 100 μm and above could be detected with good accuracy under 0.5-or 1.0-mm-thick gingiva (GN). Around 70% of gaps sized 150 μm and above could be detected under 1.5-mm-thick GN. On the other hand, 80% of gaps under 2.0-mm-thick GN were not detected due to attenuation of near-infrared light through the soft tissue. OCT appeared as an effective tool for evaluating the misfit of implant-abutment under thin layers of soft tissue. © The Authors. Published by SPIE under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. Distribution or reproduction of this work in whole or in part requires full attribution of the original publication, including its DOI.