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‐κB 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. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.