LIGHTing up dendritic cell activation: Immune regulation and viral exploitation.

The maturation state of dendritic cells (DC) is regulated by a variety of factors. These include ligands expressed by T cells, such as members of the TNF superfamily. Recent studies have highlighted the role of one such molecule, LIGHT, as a positive regulator of DC biology, promoting the maturation of these cells through the activation of NF-kappaB pathways. In addition, HSV-1 envelope glycoproteins can also bind the LIGHT receptor, herpes virus entry mediator (HVEM), and activate similar downstream signalling pathways in DC. The consequence of this host-viral interaction may be a novel pathway of viral immune evasion. Copyright 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.