The number 13 of the family: a proliferation inducing ligand

Laurie Baert1, Mashal Claude Ahmed1, Benoit Manfroi1

  • 1Institute for Advanced Biosciences, University Grenoble-Alpes/INSERM U1209/CNRS UMR5309, La Tronche, France.

The TNF superfamily member a proliferation inducing ligand (APRIL, TNFSF13) plays a late role in humoral immunity at the level of antibody-producing plasmocytes. The recent characterization of the first immunodeficient patient with an inactivating mutation in the APRIL gene provided the last piece of functional data lacking in the human system. Based on this function, APRIL has been considered as a valuable target to dampen unwanted antibody production. After reviewing the late data acquired on the physiological function of APRIL in humoral immunity, we will here review the state of the art regarding APRIL targeting in autoimmune diseases.

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