The role of LIGHT in T cell-mediated immunity

Immunol Res. 2004;30(2):201-14. doi: 10.1385/IR:30:2:201.

Abstract

This review focuses on the role of homologous to lymphotoxin, exhibits inducible expression, competes with herpesvirus glycoprotein D for HVEM on T cells (LIGHT) in T-cell immunity and T cell-mediated diseases. LIGHT binds to lymphotoxin-beta receptor (LTbetaR), and cooperates with LTbeta in lymphoid organogenesis and development of lymphoid structure. Previous findings establish a crucial biological role for LIGHT, a T cell-derived costimulatory ligand, in T-cell activation and expansion via a T-T cell-dependent manner. Transgenic studies demonstrated that the dysregulation of LIGHT activity results in the disturbance of T-cell homeostasis and ultimately the breakdown of peripheral tolerance. Furthermore, the blockade of LIGHT activity ameliorates the severity of T cell-mediated diseases indicating the essential involvement of LIGHT in various pathological conditions. Here, we review the recent studies about LIGHT mainly in the context of autoimmunity and conclude with a discussion of the potential mechanisms by which LIGHT promotes autoimmunity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Autoimmune Diseases / immunology
  • Autoimmune Diseases / pathology
  • Graft Rejection / immunology
  • Graft Rejection / pathology
  • Humans
  • Lymphangiogenesis / genetics
  • Lymphangiogenesis / immunology
  • Lymphocyte Activation / genetics
  • Lymphocyte Activation / immunology*
  • Lymphotoxin beta Receptor
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics
  • Membrane Proteins / immunology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / immunology*
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Member 14
  • Receptors, Virus / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / pathology
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor Ligand Superfamily Member 14
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / genetics
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / immunology*

Substances

  • LTBR protein, human
  • Ltbr protein, mouse
  • Lymphotoxin beta Receptor
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Member 14
  • Receptors, Virus
  • TNFRSF14 protein, human
  • TNFSF14 protein, human
  • Tnfrsf14 protein, mouse
  • Tnfsf14 protein, mouse
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor Ligand Superfamily Member 14
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha