Anti-BAFF (B cell Activating Factor belonging to TNF Family, BLyS, TALL-1, THANK), clone

Simultaneously four different laboratories identified a new member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family. This has been named as TALL-1 (1), THANK (TNF homologue that activates apoptosis, nuclear factor-kappaB, and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (2), BAFF (for B cell activating factor belonging to the TNF family) (3) and Blys (B lymphocyte stimulator) (4). Membrane-bound BAFF is processed and secreted through the action of a protease whose specificity matches that of the furin family of proprotein convertases. Secreted Blys/BAFF/THANK acts as a potent B cell growth factor. This protein is expressed abundantly in peripheral blood lymphocytes, specifically in monocytes and macrophages. Its regulation is upregulated by interferon gamma. Overexpression of Blys/BAFF in transgenic mice lead to increased numbers of mature B and effector T cells. These mice also develop autoimmune -like symptoms, such as, high levels of rheumatoid factors, anti-DNA autoantibodies, etc. (5) Recently, two receptors for Blys/BAFF have been identified and termed as BCMA and TACI (6). Applications: Suitable for the detection of BLyS/BAFF expression in mouse and human cells by Western blot. Western blot analysis of BAFF/Blys in mouse and human cell lysates. Lane A: mouse testes, Lane B: mouse thymus, Lane C: mouse spleen, and Lane D: HL-60 cells (human). Recommended Dilution: Western blot: 0.5-2ug/ml, Storage and Stability: May be stored at 4°C for short-term only. For long-term storage and to avoid repeated freezing and thawing, aliquot and add glycerol (40-50%). Freeze at -20°C. Aliquots are stable for at least 12 months at -20°C. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap. Further dilutions can be made in assay buffer. ,