Article Text
Abstract
The B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS; also termed BAFF) family of ligands and receptors plays a central role in B lymphocyte development, selection, and homoeostasis. Members of this family can independently influence different B cell subsets, because the interactions between the two ligands and three receptors vary, and the receptors themselves are differentially expressed among developing, naive, and antigen experienced B cell subsets. These properties prompt careful assessment of how ablative therapies may influence the behaviour of upstream or downstream B lineage populations, as well as how the implementation and expectations of therapeutics targeting BLyS family members must be guided by knowledge of the B cell subsets contributing to pathogenesis.
- APRIL, a proliferation inducing ligand
- BCMA, B cell maturation antigen
- BCR, B cell receptor
- BLyS, B lymphocyte stimulator
- BR3, BLyS receptor 3
- TACI, transmembrane activator and calcium modulator and cyclophylin ligand interactor
- TNF, tumour necrosis factor
- BLyS
- ligands
- receptors
- targets
- autoimmunity