Comment in:

Semin Immunol. 2006 Oct;18(5):261-2.

The role of the BAFF/APRIL system on T cell function.

Department of Immunology and Inflammation, The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia. f.mackay@garvan.org.au

BAFF is a key factor controlling B cell survival and maturation and its over-expression promotes B cell-mediated autoimmune disorders and participates in the progression of B cell lymphomas. Yet, BAFF and a related ligand APRIL are expressed by T lymphocytes and modulate their functions. BAFF and APRIL promote T cell activation and survival. BAFF over-expression in transgenic (Tg) mice enhances T helper 1 (Thl)-driven delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH), but inhibits T helper 2 (Th2) cell-mediated allergic airway inflammation in mice. Some of these effects are also dependent on BAFF-induced modification of the B cell compartment. Therefore, direct BAFF/APRIL signalling in T cells and/or T cell modulation in response to a BAFF-modified B cell compartment may play an important role in inflammation and immunomodulation.

PMID: 16931039 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]