B-cell activating factor (BAFF) (BAFF)

B-cell activating factor (BAFF), also known as B-lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS), is a critical cytokine belonging to the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily that is essential for the survival, maturation, and homeostasis of B-lymphocytes (UniProt Q9Y275). It is primarily produced by innate immune cells such as macrophages, monocytes, and dendritic cells, and it exists in both a membrane-bound form and a soluble form released via proteolytic cleavage (PubMed: 10359581). Soluble BLyS exerts its biological effects by binding to three distinct receptors: BAFF receptor (BAFF-R), transmembrane activator and CAML interactor (TACI), and B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) (NCBI Gene ID: 10673). Pathologically, elevated levels of soluble BLyS are linked to the survival of autoreactive B-cells and the development of autoimmune conditions, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Sjögren's syndrome (PubMed: 21430250). Therapeutic strategies targeting BLyS, such as the monoclonal antibody belimumab, aim to neutralize the soluble protein to reduce autoantibody production and disease activity (FDA: Belimumab Label). Monitoring BLyS levels and B-cell subsets is often used to assess treatment efficacy and disease activity in clinical settings.

Other names

B-lymphocyte stimulatorBLySTumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily member 13BTNFSF13BB cell-activating factor belonging to the TNF familyTALL-1THANKZTNF4

Neutralization of soluble BAFF/BLyS to prevent binding to its cognate receptors (BAFF-R, TACI, and BCMA), thereby inhibiting the survival and differentiation of B-cells and reducing autoantibody production.