2. Academic Validation
  3. B cell activating factor (BAFF): Structure, functions, autoimmunity and clinical implications in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

B cell activating factor (BAFF): Structure, functions, autoimmunity and clinical implications in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

  • Autoimmun Rev. 2021 Feb;20(2):102736. doi: 10.1016/j.autrev.2020.102736.
Tamara Möckel 1,  Fabio Basta 2,  Julia Weinmann-Menke 3,  Andreas Schwarting 4
Affiliations

Affiliations

  • 1 Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany. Electronic address: [email protected].
  • 2 Acura Rheumatology Center Rhineland Palatinate, Bad Kreuznach, Germany.
  • 3 Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Nephrology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany.
  • 4 Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany; Acura Rheumatology Center Rhineland Palatinate, Bad Kreuznach, Germany.
PMID: 33333233 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2020.102736
Abstract

The B cell activating factor (BAFF), or B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS), is a B cell survival factor which supports autoreactive B cells and prevents their deletion. BAFF expression is closely linked with autoimmunity and is enhanced by genetic alterations and viral infections. Furthermore, BAFF seems to be involved in adipogenesis, atherosclerosis, neuro-inflammatory processes and ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury. BAFF is commonly overexpressed in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and strongly involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. The relationship between BAFF levels, disease activity and damage accrual in SLE is controversial, but growing evidence is emerging on its role in renal involvement. Belimumab, a biologic BAFF inhibitor, has been the first biologic agent licensed for SLE therapy so far. As Rituximab (RTX) has been shown to increase BAFF levels following B cell depletion, the combination therapy of RTX plus belimumab (being evaluated in two RCT) seems to be a valuable option for several clinical scenarios. In this review we will highlight the growing body of evidence of immune and non-immune related BAFF expression in experimental and clinical settings.

Keywords

BAFF; BLyS; Belimumab; Lupus; SLE.

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