InterPro domain: IPR004911

In humans, GILT (gamma-interferon-inducible lysosomal thiol reductase) functions in MHC class II-restricted antigen processing and MHC class I-restricted cross-presentation by reducing disulfide bonds of endocytosed proteins and facilitating their unfolding and optimal degradation [ 1 , 2 ]. Several other functions of GILT have also been found, for instance, GILT can act as a host factor for Listeria monocytogenes infection and is involved in the maintenance of cellular glutathione (GSH) levels [ 3 ].

GILT is characterised by a CXXC motif in the active site and an enzymatic mechanism in which the pair of active site cysteine residues cooperate to reduce substrate disulfide bonds [ 3 ]. The GIL homologues from Drosophila melanogaster may play a role in the innate immune response upon bacterial challenge [ 3 ].

1. Expanding roles for GILT in immunity. Curr. Opin. Immunol. 25, 103-8
2. Disulfide reduction in the endocytic pathway: immunological functions of gamma-interferon-inducible lysosomal thiol reductase. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 15, 657-68
3. Identification of gamma-interferon-inducible lysosomal thiol reductase (GILT) homologues in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. Dev. Comp. Immunol. 44, 389-96