Polyclonal Antibody to BAFF (CT)

Members in the TNF superfamily regulate immune responses and induce apoptosis. A novel member in the TNF family was identified by several groups and designated BAFF (for B cell Activating Factor belonging to the TNF Family), BLyS (for B Lymphocyte Stimulator), TALL-1 (for TNF- and ApoL-related Leukocyte-expressed Ligand), and THANK (for TNF Homologue that Activate Apoptosis, NF-κB and c-jun N-terminal Kinase) [1-4]. BAFF/BLyS was characterized as a B cell stimulator since it induces B cell proliferation and immunoglobulin secretion [1,2]. Two receptors for BAFF were identified and designated TACI and BCMA [5]. BAFF and its receptors are involved in the development of systemic lupus erythaematosus and other B cell associated autoimmune diseases [5,6]. Like TNFα and TRAIL, THANK was shown to activate NF-κB and c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and to induce apoptosis [4].