B cells and the BAFF/APRIL axis: fast-forward on autoimmunity and signaling

Abstract

B-cell activation factor from the tumor necrosis factor family (BAFF) is a key survival factor during B-cell maturation - a delicate immune checkpoint for B cells. Excessive BAFF production at this stage corrupts B-cell tolerance and leads to autoimmunity. Elevated serum BAFF levels have been detected in some patients suffering from various autoimmune conditions. The positive outcomes of currently ongoing clinical trials using BAFF-neutralising agents confirm that this factor plays a major pathological role in rheumatoid arthritis and in systemic lupus erythematosus. Almost a decade after its discovery, BAFF continues to occupy the main stage in Immunology, with more than one hundred BAFF-re..