Transmembrane activator and calcium modulator and cyclophilin ligand interactor (TACI) (TACI)

Transmembrane activator and calcium modulator and cyclophilin ligand interactor (TACI), also known as TNFRSF13B, is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily primarily expressed on the surface of B-cells and plasma cells. It serves as a critical regulator of the adaptive immune response by binding to two key ligands: B-cell activating factor (BAFF) and a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) [UniProt: O14836]. These interactions are essential for B-cell maturation, immunoglobulin isotype switching, and the long-term survival of antibody-secreting plasma cells [PubMed: 11526139]. Dysregulation of TACI signaling is associated with several clinical conditions; for instance, mutations in the TNFRSF13B gene are a common genetic cause of common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) [PubMed: 16007086]. Conversely, overactivation or overexpression of TACI is implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and B-cell malignancies such as multiple myeloma [PubMed: 33003316]. Therapeutic strategies targeting this pathway often utilize soluble decoy receptors, such as Atacicept and Telitacicept, which sequester BAFF and APRIL to prevent them from activating TACI and other related receptors [PubMed: 33003316]. These drugs are currently being investigated for their potential to treat autoimmune disorders and plasma cell dyscrasias by reducing B-cell hyperactivity and autoantibody production.

Other names

TNFRSF13BCD267Tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 13BTransmembrane activator and CAML interactor

Soluble decoy receptor that binds and neutralizes BAFF and APRIL ligands to inhibit B-cell activation and survival.