Cosignaling Molecules Around LIGHT-HVEM-BTLA: From Immune Activation to Therapeutic Targeting

Authors: Pasero, Christine; Truneh, Alemseged; Olive, Daniel

Source: Current Molecular Medicine, Volume 9, Number 7, September 2009 , pp. 911-927(17)

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

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Abstract:

The regulation of the immune system at the cell surface is primarily controlled by two families of cosignaling molecules: the immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily, or ≪CD28 and B7 family≫, and the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) family. Here, we summarized the principal structural and functional characteristics of both families. In this respect, the interaction between HVEM, a TNF receptor, and BTLA, an Ig family member, has provided a new perspective and an additional level of complexity in the crosstalk between these two regulatory systems. This review will present a summary of the recent advances in the immunobiology of the LIGHT-HVEM-LTβR-BTLA network. The LIGHT-HVEM-BTLA system has emerged as a major regulator of immune responses and lymphocyte activation, whereas LIGHT-LTβR participates in lymphoid tissue development and cell death. Moreover, recent studies have provided encouraging new insights into the roles of the LIGHT-HVEM-LTβR-BTLA axis as a potential target for controlling anti-tumor responses.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/156652409789105589

Publication date: 2009-09-01

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Current Molecular Medicine is an interdisciplinary journal focused on providing the readership with current and comprehensive reviews on fundamental molecular mechanisms of disease pathogenesis, the development of molecular-diagnosis and/or novel approaches to rational treatment. The reviews should be of significant interest to basic researchers and clinical investigators in molecular medicine. Periodically the journal will invite guest editors to devote an issue on a basic research area that shows promise to advance our understanding of the molecular mechanism(s) of a disease or has potential for clinical applications.