Herpesvirus entry mediator

Herpesvirus entry mediator (HVEM) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the TNFRSF14 gene. HVEM is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily and plays a crucial role in the immune system by mediating the entry of herpesvirus into cells.

Function

HVEM is a cell surface receptor that interacts with several ligands, including herpes simplex virus glycoprotein D (gD), lymphotoxin-alpha, and LIGHT. These interactions are important for the regulation of immune responses, inflammation, and cell death. HVEM is involved in the activation of NF-kB and JNK pathways, which are critical for cell survival and proliferation.

Clinical significance

The interaction between HVEM and herpes simplex virus gD is essential for the virus to enter host cells, making HVEM a potential target for therapeutic intervention in herpesvirus infections. Additionally, HVEM has been implicated in various autoimmune diseases and cancers, where its expression and signaling pathways may contribute to disease progression.

Interactions

HVEM interacts with several proteins, including:

• BTLA (B and T lymphocyte attenuator)
• CD160
• LIGHT (TNFSF14)
• Lymphotoxin-alpha

These interactions modulate immune responses and can either stimulate or inhibit immune cell activity, depending on the context.

See also

• Herpes simplex virus
• Tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily
• Immune system

External links

• TNFRSF14 gene - NCBI
• UniProt entry for HVEM