BAFF and rheumatic autoimmune disorders: implications for disease management and therapy

Interest in B-cells has been revived due to the description of new functions. Supporting a role for B-cells in the genesis of autoimmune diseases is the fact that the B-cell activating factor of the TNF ligand family (BAFF) is essential in their physiology. However, in each disease, this is restricted to a subgroup of patients. Based on experiments in mice, and validated in humans, this new cytokine has been highlighted. Excessive production of BAFF alters immune tolerance by rescuing self-binding B-cells. Overexpression in mice leads to autoimmune manifestation, and BAFF levels are elevated in the serum of autoimmune patients. Similar abnormalities occur in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Recent works suggest that antagonizing the protein (or competing for its receptors) is relevant to the treatment. Advances in our understanding of the BAFF system offers the opportunity to improve our therapeutic approach.