MOLECULES

Full name: B-cell activating factor

Aliases: TALL-1, THANK, BlyS, zTNF-4, and TNFSF-13b^1-3

Size: 17 kDa³

Family: TNF ligand family¹

Receptors: BAFF-R, TACI, and BCMA^2,4

Major cellular sources: Monocytes, macrophages, DC, bone marrow stromal cells, and T cells^2,4

Major cellular targets: B cells³,

Disease states associated with: Autoimmune rheumatic diseases, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjögren’s syndrome²

Major physiologic functions:

• BAFF plays an important role in the generation of mature B cells and is an important regulator of B-cell and T-cell responses.²
• Interaction between BAFF and BAFF-R activates the NF-KB signaling pathway, which is essential for the formation and maintenance of B cells. Thus, BAFF is a critical factor for B-cell survival, proliferation, and maturation.^1,4
• Increased BAFF levels have been implicated in altered B-cell differentiation and activation, resulting in the production of class-switched autoantibodies and increased organ damage in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.^5,6

BAFF-R: BAFF receptor; BCMA: B-cell maturation antigen; BLyS: B-lymphocyte stimulator; DC: dendritic cell; NF-KB: nuclear factor kappa B; TACI: transmembrane activator and calcium-modulating cyclophilin ligand interactor; TALL-1: apoptosis ligand-related leukocyte-expressed ligand 1; THANK: TNF homolog that activates apoptosis, NF-κB, and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase; TNF: tumor necrosis factor; TNFSF: TNF ligand superfamily.