B-lymphocyte stimulator

B-lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS), also known as BAFF (B-cell activating factor), is a recombinant biologic protein and a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) ligand superfamily. It functions as a critical survival and proliferation factor for B lymphocytes. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) investigated a recombinant form of BLyS in Phase I clinical trials for the treatment of primary immunodeficiencies, specifically selective IgA deficiency and common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). BLyS exerts its biological effects by binding to three distinct receptors on B cells: the BAFF receptor (BAFF-R), B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA), and transmembrane activator and CAML interactor (TACI). This binding stimulates B-cell maturation, prevents apoptosis, and induces the secretion of immunoglobulins, including IgA, thereby potentially addressing the underlying deficiency in patients with these immune disorders.

Other names

B-cell activating factorTumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily member 13Brecombinant human B-lymphocyte stimulator