title: The BLyS family of ligands and receptors: an archetype for niche-specific homeostatic regulation.
abstract: Discovery and characterization of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family member B-lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) has opened a novel chapter in the role of TNF family members in the homeostatic control of lymphocyte populations. BLyS and its sister cytokine APRIL (a proliferation-inducing ligand) act primarily as soluble trimers and serve to regulate the steady-state numbers of nearly all B-cell compartments. This homeostatic regulation is accomplished through the regulation of B-cell production rates, selection thresholds, and lifespan. Differential expression of the three BLyS receptors during differentiation and activation provides related yet distinct homeostatic niches for follicular, marginal zone, and memory B-cell subsets.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6082, USA. cancro@mail.med.upenn.edu
authors.forename: Michael P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Cancro
mesh_terms: D053264:B-Cell Activating Factor; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000502:physiology; D006706:Homeostasis / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D005810:Multigene Family; D009687:Nuclear Proteins / Q000502:physiology; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: C490341:ANP32B protein, human; D053264:B-Cell Activating Factor; C120197:BLyS receptor; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D009687:Nuclear Proteins; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor; C505719:TNFSF13B protein, human; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha