Recombinant Mouse BAFF protein

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BAFF also known as B-cell activating factor or TNFSF13B is a protein important for B-cell survival and maturation. It's a type II transmembrane protein expressed in cells like macrophages and dendritic cells and has a mass of approximately 31 kDa. The BAFF protein is also present on activated T-cells and in the serum as a soluble form. It functions as a cytokine and influences various stages of B-cell development.

Biological function summary

BAFF plays a significant role in the humoral immune response by enhancing B-cell proliferation and function. It belongs to the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) ligand family and interacts as a homotrimer. The BAFF cytokine can bind to receptors such as BAFF-R BCMA (B-cell maturation antigen) and TACI (transmembrane activator and CAML interactor). These interactions regulate B-cell homeostasis promoting development and differentiation processes important for normal immune responses.

Pathways

BAFF is central to the regulation of immune system signaling particularly in B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling and NF-kB pathway activation. The BAFF-R mediates B-cell survival signals through the NF-kB pathway while TACI and BCMA associations convey additional immune responses regulation. These multiple pathways ensure the maintenance of B-cell populations and their ability to produce antibodies.

BAFF has been linked to conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Elevated levels of BAFF can exacerbate autoimmune responses due to increased B-cell survival. Connections with these disorders involve the BAFF-R and its influence on excessive B-cell proliferation contributing to disease pathology. Therapeutically anti-BAFF therapies target these interactions to modify disease progression and manage autoimmunity.