Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

B lymphocyte stimulator protein levels in systemic lupus erythematosus and other diseases

  • Published:
Current Rheumatology Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The size of the known members of the tumor necrosis factor ligand and receptor superfamilies has burgeoned in the past few years. Among the novel tumor necrosis factor ligand and receptor superfamily members recently described is B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS; Human Genome Sciences, Rockville, MD) protein. By virtue of its ability to promote B-cell survival, expansion, and differentiation, it likely plays an important contributory role in systemic lupus erythematosus pathogenesis and propagation. In addition, it may play a similar role in other systemic immune-based rheumatic diseases, and becomes a legitimate candidate target for antagonist biologic agents.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References and Recommended Reading

  1. Moore PA, Belvedere O, Orr A, et al.: BLyS: member of the tumor necrosis factor family and B lymphocyte stimulator. Science 1999, 285:260–263. This report is the first to demonstrate the ability of BLyS protein to enhance B-cell expansion and circulating immunoglobulin levels in vivo.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Shu H-B, Hu W-H, Johnson H: TALL-1 is a novel member of the TNF family that is down-regulated by mitogens. J Leukocyte Biol 1999, 65:680–683.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Schneider P, MacKay F, Steiner V, et al.: BAFF, a novel ligand of the tumor necrosis factor family, stimulates B cell growth. J Exp Med 1999, 189:1747–1756.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. Mukhopadhyay A, Ni J, Zhai Y, et al.: Identification and characterization of a novel cytokine, THANK, a TNF homologue that activates apoptosis, nuclear factor-êB, and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase. J Biol Chem 1999, 274:15978–15981.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. Tribouley C, Wallroth M, Chan V, et al.: Characterization of a new member of the TNF family expressed on antigen presenting cells. Biol Chem 1999, 380:1443–1447.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Gross JA, Johnston J, Mudri S, et al.: TACI and BCMA are receptors for a TNF homologue implicated in B-cell autoimmune disease. Nature 2000, 404:995–999. This is the first report to demonstrate that a BLyS protein antagonist can be clinically beneficial in murine systemic lupus erythematosus.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Nardelli B, Belvedere O, Roschke V, et al.: Synthesis and release of B-lymphocyte stimulator from myeloid cells. Blood 2001, 97:198–204.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Yan M, Marsters SA, Grewal IS, et al.: Identification of a receptor for BLyS demonstrates a crucial role in humoral immunity. Nat Immunol 2000, 1:37–41.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Thompson JS, Schneider P, Kalled SL, et al.: BAFF binds to the tumor necrosis factor receptor-like molecule B cell maturation antigen and is important for maintaining the peripheral B cell population. J Exp Med 2000, 192:129–135.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Xia X-Z, Treanor J, Senaldi G, et al.: TACI is a TRAF-interacting receptor for TALL-1, a tumor necrosis factor family member involved in B cell regulation. J Exp Med 2000, 192:137–143.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Marsters SA, Yan M, Pitti RM, et al.: Interaction of the TNF homologues BLyS and APRIL with the receptor homologues BCMA and TACI. Curr Biol 2000, 10:785–788.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Shu H-B, Johnson H: B cell maturation protein is a receptor for the tumor necrosis factor family member TALL-1. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2000, 97:9156–9161.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Thompson JS, Bixler SA, Qian F, et al.: BAFF-R, a novel TNF receptor that specifically interacts with BAFF. Science 2001, 293:2108–2111. This report identifies BAFF receptor as the critical receptor for the in vivo biologic effects of BLyS protein on B cells.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. Yan M, Brady JR, Chan B, et al.: Identification of a novel receptor for B lymphocyte stimulator that is mutated in a mouse strain with severe B cell deficiency. Curr Biol 2001, 11:1547–1552. This report identifies BAFF receptor as the critical receptor for the in vivo biologic effects of BLyS protein on B cells.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Laabi Y, Gras M-P, Brouet J-C, et al.: The BCMA gene, preferentially expressed during B lymphoid maturation, is bidirectionally transcribed. Nucleic Acids Res 1994, 22:1147–1154.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. von BülowG-U, Bran RJ: NF-AT activation induced by a CAML-interacting member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily. Science 1997, 278:138–141.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Do RKG, Hatada E, Lee H, et al.: Attenuation of apoptosis underlies B lymphocyte stimulator enhancement of humoral immune response. J Exp Med 2000, 192:953–964.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Batten M, Groom J, Cachero TG, et al.: BAFF mediates survival of peripheral immature B lymphocytes. J Exp Med 2000, 192:1453–1465.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Harless SM, Lentz VM, Sah AP, et al.: Competition for BLySmediated signaling through Bcmd/BR3 regulates peripheral B lymphocyte numbers. Curr Biol 2001, 11:1986–1989.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. Huard B, Schneider P, Mauri D, et al.: T cell costimulation by the TNF ligand BAFF. J Immunol 2001, 167:6225–6231.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. Hahne M, Kataoka T, Schröter M, et al.: APRIL, a new ligand of the tumor necrosis factor family, stimulates tumor cell growth. J Exp Med 1998, 188:1185–1190.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Yu G, Boone T, Delaney J, et al.: APRIL and TALL-1 and receptors BCMA and TACI: system for regulating humoral immunity. Nat Immunol 2000, 1:252–256.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. Wu Y, Bressette D, Carrell JA, et al.: Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily member TACI is a high affinity receptor for TNF family members APRIL and BLyS. J Biol Chem 2000, 275:35478–35485.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. Rennert P, Schneider P, Cachero TG, et al.: A soluble form of B cell maturation antigen, a receptor for the tumor necrosis factor family member APRIL, inhibits tumor cell growth. J Exp Med 2000, 192:1677–1683.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  25. Gross JA, Dillon SR, Mudri S, et al.: TACI-Ig neutralizes molecules critical for B cell development and autoimmune disease: impaired B cell maturation in mice lacking BLyS. Immunity 2001, 15:289–302. This report demonstrates the indispensable role for BLyS protein in normal B-cell development.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. Schiemann B, Gommerman JL, Vora K, et al.: An essential role for BAFF in the normal development of B cells through a BCMA-independent pathway. Science 2001, 293:2111–2114. This report demonstrates the indispensable role for BLyS protein in normal B-cell development.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  27. Schneider P, Takatsuka H, Wilson A, et al.: Maturation of marginal zone and follicular B cells requires B cell activating factor of the tumor necrosis factor family and is independent of B cell maturation antigen. J Exp Med 2001, 194:1691–1697.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. Xu S, Lam D-P: B-cell maturation protein, which binds the tumor necrosis factor family members BAFF and APRIL, is dispensible for humoral immune responses. Mol Cell Biol 2001, 21:4067–4074.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. von BülowG-U, van DeursenJM, Bram RJ: Regulation of the Tindependent humoral response by TACI. Immunity 2001, 14:573–582.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. Yan M, Wang H, Chan B, et al.: Activation and accumulation of B cells in TACI-deficient mice. Nat Immunol 2001, 2:638–643.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  31. Mackay F, Woodcock SA, Lawton P, et al.: Mice transgenic for BAFF develop lymphocytic disorders along with autoimmune manifestations. J Exp Med 1999, 190:1697–1710.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. Khare SD, Sarosi I, Xia X-Z, et al.: Severe B cell hyperplasia and autoimmune disease in TALL-1 transgenic mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2000, 97:3370–3375.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  33. Zhang J, Roschke V, Baker KP, et al.: Cutting edge: a role for B lymphocyte stimulator in systemic lupus erythematosus. J Immunol 2001, 166:6–10. One of the first reports to describe elevated circulating BLyS protein levels in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and other systemic immune-based rheumatic diseases.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  34. Cheema GS, Roschke V, Hilbert DM, Stohl W: Elevated serum B lymphocyte stimulator levels in patients with systemic immunebased rheumatic diseases. Arthritis Rheum 2001, 44:1313–1319. One of the first reports to describe elevated circulating BLyS protein levels in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and other systemic immune-based rheumatic diseases.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  35. Linker-Israeli M, Deans RJ, Wallace DJ, et al.: Elevated levels of endogenous IL-6 in systemic lupus erythematosus: a putative role in pathogenesis. J Immunol 1991, 147:117–123.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  36. Spronk PE, ter Borg EJ, Limburg PC, Kallenberg CGM: Plasma concentration of IL-6 in systemic lupus erythematosus: an indicator of disease activity? Clin Exp Immunol 1992, 90:106–110.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  37. Al-Janadi M, Al-Balla S, Al-Dalaan A, Raziuddin S: Cytokine profile in systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and other rheumatic diseases. J Clin Immunol 1993, 13:58–67.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  38. Hagiwara E, Gourley MF, Lee S, Klinman DM: Disease severity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus correlates with an increased ratio of interleukin-10:interferon-_-secreting cells in the peripheral blood. Arthritis Rheum 1996, 39:379–385.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  39. Llorente L, Richaud-Patin Y, Fior R, et al.: In vivo production of interleukin-10 by non-T cells in rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, and systemic lupus erythematosus: a potential mechanism of B lymphocyte hyperactivity and autoimmunity. Arthritis Rheum 1994, 37:1647–1655.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  40. Houssiau FA, Lefebvre C, Vanden Berghe M, et al.: Serum interleukin 10 titers in systemic lupus erythematosus reflect disease activity. Lupus 1995, 4:393–395.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  41. Suematsu S, Matsuda T, Aozasa K, et al.: IgG1 plasmacytosis in interleukin 6 transgenic mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1989, 86:7547–7551.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  42. Llorente L, Zou W, Levy Y, et al.: Role of interleukin 10 in the B lymphocyte hyperactivity and autoantibody production of human systemic lupus erythematosus. J Exp Med 1995, 181:839–844.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  43. Wang H, Marsters SA, Baker T, et al.: TACI-ligand interactions are required for T cell activation and collagen-induced arthritis in mice. Nat Immunol 2001, 2:632–637.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  44. Ridley MG, Kingsley G, Pitzalis C, Panayi GS: Monocyte activation in rheumatoid arthritis: evidence for in situ activation and differentiation in joints. Br J Rheumatol 1990, 29:84–88.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  45. Hahn BH, Tsao BP: Antibodies to DNA. In Dubois’ Lupus ErythematosusEdited by Wallace DJ, Hahn BH. Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins; 1997:407–422.

    Google Scholar 

  46. Lane HC, Masur H, Edgar LC, et al.: Abnormalities of B-cell activation and immunoregulation in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. N Engl J Med 1983, 309:453–458.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  47. Yarchoan R, Redfield RR, Broder S: Mechanisms of B cell activation in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and related disorders: contribution of antibodyproducing B cells, of Epstein-Barr virus-infected B cells, and of immunoglobulin production induced by human T cell lymphotropic virus, type III/lymphadenopathy-associated virus. J Clin Invest 1986, 78:439–447.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  48. Stimmler MM, Quismorio FP Jr, McGehee WG, et al.: Anticardiolipin antibodies in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Arch Intern Med 1989, 149:1833–1835.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  49. Stohl W, Cheema GS, Briggs W, et al.: B lymphocyte stimulator protein-associated increase in circulating autoantibody levels may require CD4+ T cells: lessons from HIV-infected patients. Clin Immunol 2002; In press.

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Rheumatology, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, 2011 Zonal Avenue HMR 711, 0033, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    William Stohl MD, PhD

Authors
  1. William Stohl MD, PhD
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Stohl, W. B lymphocyte stimulator protein levels in systemic lupus erythematosus and other diseases. Curr Rheumatol Rep 4, 345–350 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-002-0044-7

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-002-0044-7

Keywords

Search

Navigation