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BAFF/BLyS Family

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Encyclopedia of Signaling Molecules

Synonyms

Cytokines

APRIL: A proliferation-inducing ligand

Synonyms: TNFSF13a; TALL-2; TRDL-1; CD256

BAFF/BLyS: B cell-activating factor of the TNF family/B lymphocyte stimulator

Synonyms: TNFSF13b; TALL-1; zTNF-4; THANK; CD257

Receptors

BCMA: B cell maturation antigen

Synonyms: TNFRSF13a; TNFRSF17; CD269

TACI: Transmembrane activator and calcium modulator and cyclophilin ligand interactor

Synonyms: TNFRSF13b; CD267

BAFFR/BR3: BAFF receptor/BLyS receptor 3

Synonyms: TNFRSF13c; Bcmd; CD268

Overview

The BAFF/BLyS family includes two cytokine ligands and three receptors, all of which are members of the TNF/TNF receptor superfamily. Members of the BLyS family play critical and varied regulatory roles among cells of the B lymphocyte lineage: they control the selection and survival of pre-immune B cells, govern aspects of selection and differentiation among activated B cells, and impact formation and survival of antibody-secreting plasma cells. General features of these ligands and receptors...

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Summary

The BLyS family of receptors and ligands plays a pivotal role in maintaining peripheral homeostasis of B cells in both mice and humans. Their influence on differentiation and maintenance of antigen-experienced subsets is also beginning to be appreciated. Apart from regulating selection and life span, the BLyS/BR3 axis is relevant in autoimmunity and is a current therapeutic target.

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Correspondence to Michael P. Cancro .

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Myles, A., Scholz, J.L., Cancro, M.P. (2018). BAFF/BLyS Family. In: Choi, S. (eds) Encyclopedia of Signaling Molecules. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-67199-4_101556

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