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The BAFF/APRIL system: an important player in systemic rheumatic diseases
Fabienne Mackay1, Frederic Sierro, Shane T Grey
1The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Department of Arthritis and Inflammation, Darlinghurst, Australia. f.mackay@garvan.org.au
Current Directions in Autoimmunity
|November 27, 2004
Summary
B cell activating factor (BAFF) promotes autoimmune rheumatic diseases by expanding B cells and activating T cells. Inhibiting BAFF may offer new treatments for these conditions and B cell lymphomas.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
- Autoimmunity
Background:
- Rheumatic diseases often involve autoimmune processes, leading to inflammation and tissue damage.
- Abnormal B cell function and autoantibody production are common in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Sjögren's syndrome.
- B cell activating factor (BAFF) is crucial for B cell maturation but can drive autoimmunity when overexpressed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the multifaceted role of BAFF in rheumatic diseases and B cell lymphomas.
- To investigate BAFF's contribution to B cell expansion, T cell activation, and potential links to cancer.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of BAFF's functions in B cell biology.
- Review of BAFF's involvement in autoimmune pathologies.
- Examination of BAFF's role in B cell lymphoma development.
Main Results:
- Elevated BAFF levels are found in patients with rheumatic diseases.
- BAFF promotes the expansion of marginal zone (MZ) B cells, which can activate T cells.
- BAFF acts as a survival factor for B cell lymphomas, potentially explaining lymphoma complications in rheumatic diseases.
Conclusions:
- BAFF plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of various rheumatic diseases.
- BAFF's involvement extends to B cell lymphomas, suggesting a link to cancer complications.
- Targeting BAFF presents a promising therapeutic strategy for rheumatic diseases and B cell malignancies.