Expression of B-cell-activating factor of the TNF family (BAFF) and its receptors in multiple sclerosis

J Neuroimmunol. 2004 Jul;152(1-2):183-90. doi: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2004.03.017.

Abstract

The role of B cells and antibodies in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) is controversial. We investigated the expression of B-cell-activating factor of the tumor necrosis factor family (BAFF), a protein indispensable for B-cell survival, and of its three receptors in MS patients and controls. BAFF mRNA levels in monocytes, and BAFF-receptor mRNA in B and T cells, were higher in patients than in healthy controls; yet, BAFF protein levels in cerebrospinal fluid and plasma were similar in patients and headache controls. In addition, each MS disease course was associated with a unique expression pattern for all four molecules.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • B-Cell Activating Factor
  • B-Cell Activation Factor Receptor
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leukocytes, Mononuclear / immunology
  • Leukocytes, Mononuclear / metabolism
  • Male
  • Membrane Proteins / biosynthesis*
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Sclerosis / metabolism*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / pathology
  • Prognosis
  • RNA, Messenger / analysis
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / biosynthesis*
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Transmembrane Activator and CAML Interactor Protein
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / biosynthesis*

Substances

  • B-Cell Activating Factor
  • B-Cell Activation Factor Receptor
  • Membrane Proteins
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor
  • TNFRSF13B protein, human
  • TNFRSF13C protein, human
  • TNFSF13B protein, human
  • Transmembrane Activator and CAML Interactor Protein
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha