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Updated: May 31, 2026
09:25
Detection and Enrichment of Rare Antigen-specific B Cells for Analysis of Phenotype and Function
Published on: February 16, 2017
BAFF and selection of autoreactive B cells.
1Center for Autoimmunity and Musculoskeletal Diseases, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, New York, NY 11030, USA.
Trends in Immunology
|July 15, 2011
Summary
Belimumab treats systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by targeting B cell activating factor (BAFF). This review explores how BAFF inhibition impacts autoreactive B cell selection, potentially explaining belimumab's therapeutic effects in SLE patients.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- B cell activating factor (BAFF) is vital for B cell survival.
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a target for BAFF inhibitors.
- Belimumab is an approved BAFF inhibitor for SLE, but its mechanism requires clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of the BAFF-APRIL signaling pathway in autoreactive B cell selection.
- To discuss if altered B cell selection underlies the efficacy of BAFF inhibition in SLE.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on BAFF-APRIL signaling.
- Analysis of B cell selection mechanisms in SLE.
- Connecting BAFF inhibition to therapeutic outcomes.
Main Results:
- The BAFF-APRIL pathway influences the selection of autoreactive B cells.
- Altered selection of autoreactive B cells is a potential mechanism for belimumab's efficacy.
Conclusions:
- The BAFF-APRIL pathway is critical in regulating autoreactive B cells.
- Targeting BAFF may offer therapeutic benefits in SLE by modulating B cell selection.
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