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Updated: Aug 16, 2026

Generation of Human Monocyte-derived Dendritic Cells from Whole Blood
Published on: December 24, 2016
LIGHTing up dendritic cell activation: Immune regulation and viral exploitation
Gabriele Pollara1, David R Katz, Benjamin M Chain
1Department of Immunology & Molecular Pathology, University College London, Windeyer Institute of Medical Sciences, London, United Kingdom. g.pollara@ucl.ac.uk
Abstract:
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.
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