An essential role for BAFF in the normal development of B cells through a BCMA-independent pathway.
The B cell activating factor BAFF (BlyS/TALL-1/zTNF4) is a tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related ligand that promotes B cell survival and binds to three receptors (BCMA, TACI, and the recently described BAFF-R). Here we report an absolute requirement for BAFF in normal B cell development. Examination of secondary lymphoid organs from BAFF-deficient mice revealed an almost complete loss of follicular and marginal zone B lymphocytes. In contrast, mice lacking BCMA had normal-appearing B lymphocyte compartments. BAFF therefore plays a crucial role in B cell development and can function through receptors other than BCMA.
Schiemann
B
B
Biogen, 14 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
Gommerman
J L
JL
Vora
K
K
Cachero
T G
TG
Shulga-Morskaya
S
S
Dobles
M
M
Frew
E
E
Scott
M L
ML
D000818:Animals; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000032:analysis; D053264:B-Cell Activating Factor; D053301:B-Cell Maturation Antigen; D016175:B-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*; D001854:Bone Marrow Cells / Q000166:cytology; D002469:Cell Separation; D002470:Cell Survival; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000097:blood; D019891:Leukopoiesis; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology; D018655:Lymphocyte Count; D008221:Lymphoid Tissue / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000172:deficiency / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D051379:Mice; D008805:Mice, Inbred A; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D010641:Phenotype; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / Q000172:deficiency / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D015398:Signal Transduction; D013154:Spleen / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000172:deficiency / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*
D015703:Antigens, CD; D053264:B-Cell Activating Factor; D053301:B-Cell Maturation Antigen; D007136:Immunoglobulins; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor; C490176:Tnfrsf17 protein, mouse; C505720:Tnfsf13b protein, mouse; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha