BAFF soluble (mouse), detection set

BAFF (B cell activation factor of the TNF family, also known as BLyS or TALL1) is a cytokine expressed predominantly by cells of the immune system such as neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, follicular dendritic cells, activated T cells and some malignant B cells. BAFF binds three distinct receptors (BAFF-R, TACI and BCMA) expressed predominantly on B cells, although activated T cells also express BAFF-R. BAFF is a master regulator of peripheral B cell survival, and also acts in processes such as immunoglobulin isotype switch and B cell co-stimulation. Besides its major role in B cell biology, BAFF co-stimulates activated T cells. Deregulated expression of this membrane-bound protein, which can readily be released in a soluble form, leads to autoimmune disorders in mice. In humans, elevated levels of soluble BAFF have been detected in the serum of patients with various autoimmune diseases.