BAFF: a fundamental survival factor for B cells

F Mackay, JL Browning - Nature Reviews Immunology, 2002 - nature.com
F Mackay, JL Browning
Nature Reviews Immunology, 2002nature.com
B-cell-activating factor of the tumour-necrosis-factor family (BAFF) enhances B-cell survival—
a function that is indispensable for B-cell maturation—and has a role in enhancing immune
responses. Moreover, the overexpression of BAFF results in severe autoimmune disorders
in mice, and elevated serum levels of BAFF occur in some patients who have autoimmune
diseases. The elucidation of the role of BAFF has set the stage for a new approach to the
treatment of autoimmune disease.
Abstract
B-cell-activating factor of the tumour-necrosis-factor family (BAFF) enhances B-cell survival — a function that is indispensable for B-cell maturation — and has a role in enhancing immune responses. Moreover, the overexpression of BAFF results in severe autoimmune disorders in mice, and elevated serum levels of BAFF occur in some patients who have autoimmune diseases. The elucidation of the role of BAFF has set the stage for a new approach to the treatment of autoimmune disease.
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