LIGHT Human Active Protein

The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) ligand family. This protein is a ligand for TNFRSF14, which is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, and which is also known as a herpesvirus entry mediator (HVEM). This protein may function as a costimulatory factor for the activation of lymphoid cells and as a deterrent to infection by herpesvirus. This protein has been shown to stimulate the proliferation of T cells, and trigger apoptosis of various tumor cells. This protein is also reported to prevent tumor necrosis factor alpha mediated apoptosis in primary hepatocyte. Two alternatively spliced transcript variant encoding distinct isoforms have been reported. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]

Function: Cytokine that binds to TNFRSF3/LTBR. Binding to the decoy receptor TNFRSF6B modulates its effects. Activates NFKB, stimulates the proliferation of T-cells, and inhibits growth of the adenocarcinoma HT-29. Acts as a receptor for Herpes simplex virus.

Subunit structure: Homotrimer.

Subcellular location: Tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily member 14, membrane form: Cell membrane; Single-pass type II membrane protein. Tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily member 14, soluble form: Secreted. Isoform 2: Cytoplasm.

Tissue specificity: Predominantly expressed in the spleen but also found in the brain. Weakly expressed in peripheral lymphoid tissues and in heart, placenta, liver, lung, appendix, and kidney, and no expression seen in fetal tissues, endocrine glands, or nonhematopoietic tumor lines.

Induction: Up-regulated after T-cell activation.

Post-translational modification: N-glycosylated. Ref.9The soluble form of isoform 1 derives from the membrane form by proteolytic processing.

Sequence similarities: Belongs to the tumor necrosis factor family.