BAFF: a novel therapeutic target for autoimmunity.
Autoimmunity results from a break in self-tolerance involving humoral and/or cell-mediated immune mechanisms. One pathological consequence of a failure in central and/or peripheral tolerance is the generation of autoantibodies and subsequent formation of complement-fixing immune complexes that contribute to tissue damage. Prevailing pharmacological strategies for treating autoimmune diseases involve the use of broad-acting immunosuppressants that with long term use have associated toxicities. The current drive in drug development is towards therapies that target a specific biological pathway or pathogenic cell population. Recent discovery of the BAFF-mediated B-cell survival pathway provides a unique opportunity for developing focused intervention for autoreactive B-cell function.
Biogen Inc, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA. Susan_Kalled@biogen.com
Susan L
SL
Kalled
D000818:Animals; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D053264:B-Cell Activating Factor; D053265:B-Cell Activation Factor Receptor; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism
D053264:B-Cell Activating Factor; D053265:B-Cell Activation Factor Receptor; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor; C435926:TNFRSF13C protein, human; C505719:TNFSF13B protein, human; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha