Activation and accumulation of B cells in TACI-deficient mice

The tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related ligand B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) binds two TNF receptor family members, transmembrane activator and calcium-modulating and cyclophilin ligand interactor (TACI) and B cell maturation molecule (BCMA). Mice that are transgenic for BLyS show B cell accumulation, activation and autoimmune lupus-like nephritis. The existence of at least two distinct BLyS receptors raises the question of the relative contribution of each to B cell functions. We therefore generated mice that were deficient in TACI. TACI-/- mice showed increased B cell accumulation and marked splenomegaly. Isolated TACI-/- B cells hyperproliferated and produced increased amounts of immunoglobulins in vitro. In vivo antigen challenge resulted in enhanced antigen-specific antibody production. Thus, TACI may play an unexpected inhibitory role in B cell activation that helps maintain immunological homeostasis.