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T cell costimulation by the TNF ligand BAFF.
B Huard1, P Schneider, D Mauri
1Department of Dermatology, Geneva University Medical Center, Geneva, Switzerland. huard@cmu.unige.ch
Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|November 21, 2001
Summary
B cell activating factor (BAFF) regulates T cell activation by providing a costimulatory signal, influencing both naive and memory T cells. This suggests BAFF plays a role in T cell responses beyond its known function in B cell homeostasis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- B cell activating factor (BAFF) is a key survival factor for B cells.
- The role of BAFF in T cell regulation is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of BAFF on T cell activation and signaling.
- To determine if BAFF influences different T cell subsets.
Main Methods:
- T cells (naive and effector/memory, CD4+ and CD8+) were stimulated suboptimally through their TCR.
- Recombinant BAFF (rBAFF) was added to assess its impact on thymidine incorporation and cytokine secretion.
- Signal transduction pathways were analyzed.
Main Results:
- rBAFF induced T cell responses, including proliferation and cytokine secretion, in suboptimally stimulated T cells.
- BAFF affected both naive and effector/memory T cells (CD4+ and CD8+).
- BAFF provided a complete costimulatory signal, inducing IL-2 secretion and T cell division, but did not significantly affect T cell survival.
Conclusions:
- BAFF regulates T cell activation and provides a costimulatory signal.
- BAFF has a broad function across different T cell populations.
- BAFF signaling in T cells differs from its role in B cells, suggesting a potential role in T cell-mediated immune responses.