title: The complexity of the BAFF TNF-family members: implications for autoimmunity.
abstract: The B-cell activating factor belonging to the tumor-necrosis factor family BAFF contributes to autoimmune disorders. As such, BAFF might become a therapeutic target. However, this molecule has pleiotropic effects that are as numerous as they are varied. The real effect of each form (spliced, glycosylated, membrane bound, soluble, homotrimerized, heterotrimerized, multimerized) has not been well characterized yet. Consequently, conflicting results, regarding the serum concentrations of BAFF or its functional effect, exist in literature. BAFF quantification based on ELISA commercial kits was indeed found to be inaccurate. The complexity of the various forms of BAFF will be reviewed by focusing on the different structural aspects of the molecule. These data have particular implications for autoimmunity, not only because of the role of these factors on B cell growth and survival, but also their influence on the onset and severity of several autoimmune diseases.
authors: EA2216 "Immunology and Pathology", Université Européenne de Bretagne and Brest University, Brest, France.
authors: Ayan
authors: A
authors: Lahiri
authors: Pierre
authors: P
authors: Pochard
authors: Laëtitia
authors: L
authors: Le Pottier
authors: Gabriel J
authors: GJ
authors: Tobón
authors: Boutahar
authors: B
authors: Bendaoud
authors: Pierre
authors: P
authors: Youinou
authors: Jacques-Olivier
authors: JO
authors: Pers
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015551:Autoimmunity; D053264:B-Cell Activating Factor / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D000074049:Cytokine TWEAK; D005091:Exons; D006801:Humans; D007438:Introns; D051379:Mice; D020641:Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; D011487:Protein Conformation; D020033:Protein Isoforms / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D055503:Protein Multimerization; D053300:Tumor Necrosis Factor Ligand Superfamily Member 13 / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D048069:Tumor Necrosis Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D053264:B-Cell Activating Factor; D000074049:Cytokine TWEAK; D020033:Protein Isoforms; C109743:TNFSF12 protein, human; C505719:TNFSF13B protein, human; D053300:Tumor Necrosis Factor Ligand Superfamily Member 13; D048069:Tumor Necrosis Factors