LIGHT (protein)

LIGHT (also known as TNFSF14) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the TNFSF14 gene. It is a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) ligand family, a group of proteins that play a crucial role in inflammatory and immune responses.

Function

LIGHT is a type II transmembrane protein expressed on the surface of activated T cells, monocytes, and granulocytes. It interacts with two known receptors: herpesvirus entry mediator (HVEM) and lymphotoxin beta receptor (LTβR). Through these interactions, LIGHT plays a significant role in the regulation of cell death, cell proliferation, and immune response.

Clinical Significance

Abnormal expression of LIGHT has been associated with various autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease. It is also implicated in the pathogenesis of certain types of cancer, such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma and melanoma. Therefore, LIGHT is considered a potential therapeutic target for these conditions.

Research

Research on LIGHT is ongoing, with studies focusing on its role in immune regulation and potential as a therapeutic target. For example, blocking the interaction between LIGHT and its receptors has been shown to alleviate symptoms in animal models of autoimmune diseases.

See Also

• Tumor necrosis factor
• Autoimmune disease
• Cancer