Anti-BLyS/TNFSF13B/BAFF Monoclonal Recombinant Antibody

BAFF, a member of the TNF superfamily of proteins, is a homotrimeric transmembrane protein, which is cleaved to produce a soluble cytokine. BAFF may also further oligomerize into 60-mer structures. BAFF is expressed by monocytes, neutrophils, macrophages, dendritic cells, activated T cells, and epithelial cells. BAFF plays a key role in B cell development, survival, and activation. BAFF binds to three distinct receptors, BAFF-R, TACI, and BCMA. These receptors are differentially expressed during B cell development and among B cell subsets. While BAFF-R and BCMA bind to the homotrimeric form of BAFF, TACI only binds to membrane bound or higher order BAFF structures. The BAFF/ BAFF-R interaction activates both canonical and non-canonical NF-kappaB pathways, PI3K/Akt, and mTOR. Activation of the noncanonical NF-kappaB pathway via BAFF-R is negatively regulated by TRAF3. Research studies have shown that elevated levels of BAFF may exacerbate many autoimmune disorders, making it a potential therapeutic target. Protein function: Cytokine that binds to TNFRSF13B/TACI and TNFRSF17/BCMA. TNFSF13/APRIL binds to the same 2 receptors. Together, they form a 2 ligands -2 receptors pathway involved in the stimulation of B- and T- cell function and the regulation of humoral immunity. A third B-cell specific BAFF-receptor (BAFFR/BR3) promotes the survival of mature B- cells and the B-cell response. [The UniProt Consortium]