title: The current status of targeting BAFF/BLyS for autoimmune diseases.
abstract: It is increasingly recognized that B cells have multiple functions that contribute to the pathogenesis of autoimmunity. Specific targeting of B cells might therefore be an appropriate therapeutic intervention. The tumor necrosis factor-like molecule BAFF (BLyS) is a key B cell survival factor and its receptors are expressed on most peripheral B cells. Several different BAFF antagonists are under development and in early clinical trials. We review here the rationale for BAFF blockade, and its predicted mechanism of action in autoimmune diseases.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Meera
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ramanujam
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Davidson
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D053264:B-Cell Activating Factor; D006801:Humans; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*
chemical_list: D053264:B-Cell Activating Factor; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor; C505719:TNFSF13B protein, human; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha