B cell-activating factor belonging to the TNF family (BAFF)-R is the principal BAFF receptor facilitating BAFF costimulation of circulating T and B cells

Abstract

BAFF (B cell-activating factor belonging to the TNF family) is a cell survival and maturation factor for B cells, and overproduction of BAFF is associated with systemic autoimmune disease. BAFF binds to three receptors, BAFF-R, transmembrane activator and calcium modulator and cyclophilin ligand interactor (TACI), and B cell maturation Ag (BCMA). Using specific mAbs, BAFF-R was found to be the predominant BAFF receptor expressed on peripheral B cells, in both humans and mice, and antagonist mAbs to BAFF-R blocked BAFF-mediated costimulation of anti-μ responses. The other BAFF receptors showed a much more restricted expression pattern, suggestive of specialized roles. BCMA was expressed by ge..