Systemic lupus erythematosus and its ABCs (APRIL/BLyS complexes)

BLyS and APRIL are closely related members of the TNF ligand superfamily. These cytokines individually may contribute importantly to the development and maintenance of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Dillon and colleagues demonstrate that in contrast to most members of the TNF ligand superfamily, which form only homotrimers, BLyS and APRIL can complex as heterotrimers. These complexes have in vitro biological activity, and circulating levels of BLyS/APRIL heterotrimers are frequently elevated in SLE, but not rheumatoid arthritis, patients. Although the mechanism and regulation of heterotrimer formation, the interconversion (if any) between homotrimers and heterotrimers, and, indeed, the normal physiologic role for such heterotrimers remain unknown, their preferential overexpression in SLE, but not in rheumatoid arthritis, raises the possibility that such heterotrimers may be playing a contributory role in SLE.