The tumor-necrosis factor superfamily member LIGHT (p30; TNFSF-14) is a cytokine for inducing immune responses against tumors. A novel biochemical approach is used to decorate the surface of tumor cells with LIGHT. LIGHT decorated cells can be used to vaccinate and induce effective, sustained immunity against cells expressing neo or pathogen associated antigens. Variants of LIGHT are described that enhance binding to cellular receptors (e.g., LT beta receptor) and decrease regulation by inhibitors (e.g., Decoy Receptor 3) increasing ability to stimulate immunity.