Advances of using antibody against B cell activating factor for treatment of autoimmune diseases / 生物工程学报

In recent decades, the treatment of autoimmune diseases has moved from the use of hormones and conventional immunosuppressive drugs to biological agents. B cell proliferation and maturation play crucial roles in the development of autoimmune diseases. The tumor necrosis factor superfamily ligand B cell activating factor (BAFF) and its receptor mediate B cell survival through regulating signaling pathways. Therefore, BAFF and its receptors are important therapeutic targets for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. This review describes the mechanism of BAFF and its receptor in the human body system and introduces the latest views on how over-activation of BAFF pathway promotes the development of autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren's syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis. In connection to the treatment of the above three diseases, this review discusses the clinical trials and application status of three BAFF-targeting antibody drugs, including Belimumab, Tabalumab and Atacicept. Finally, this review proposes new strategies that targeting the BAFF pathway to provide a new treatment for autoimmune diseases.

Preliminary findings on the possible role of B-lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) on diabetes-related periodontitis

Abstract The possible role of B-cell growth and differentiation-related cytokines on the pathogenesis of diabetes-related periodontitis has not been addressed so far. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of diabetes mellitus (DM) on the gene expression of proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) and B-lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS), two major cytokines associated to survival, differentiation and maturation of B cells in biopsies from gingival tissue with periodontitis. Gingival biopsies were obtained from subjects with periodontitis (n = 17), with periodontitis and DM (n = 19) as well as from periodontally and systemically healthy controls (n = 10). Gene expressions for APRIL, BLyS, RANKL, OPG, TRAP and DC-STAMP were evaluated using qPCR. The expressions APRIL, BLyS, RANKL, OPG, TRAP and DC-STAMP were all higher in both periodontitis groups when compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the expressions of BLyS, TRAP and RANKL were significantly higher in the subjects with periodontitis and DM when compared to those with periodontitis alone (p < 0.05). The mRNA levels of BLyS correlated positively with RANKL in the subjects with periodontitis and DM (p < 0.05). BLyS is overexpressed in periodontitis tissues of subjects with type 2 DM, suggesting a possible role of this cytokine on the pathogenesis DM-related periodontitis.

Immunological Characteristics in Refractory Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps Undergoing Revision Surgeries

PURPOSE: Despite medical and surgical treatments, some cases of nasal polyps (NP) exhibit recidivism. However, the endotype of refractory chronic rhinosinusitis with NP (CRSwNP) remains unclear. Therefore, the objective of this study was to characterize the immunological profile of refractory CRSwNP. METHODS: The control (n =23), primary NP group (pNP, n =70) and refractory NP group (rNP, n =86) were enrolled in this study. Patients who underwent revision surgeries due to failed maximal medical treatment after primary surgery were defined as the rNP group. A total of 18 inflammatory markers were investigated in nasal tissues using multiplex cytokine assay or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: The clinical characteristics of rNP included more extensive disease and worse clinical course after surgery. Additionally, rNP subjects showed higher infection rate (mucopurulence and culture-positive rate), more frequent use of antibiotics and suffered from symptomatic bacterial infection, increased asthma morbidity compared to pNP. Cytokine profile analysis showed that levels of Th17-associated mediators (myeloperoxidase, interleukin (IL)-8, IL-17A and IL-23), B-cell activating factor (BAFF) and Th1 cytokine (interferon-γ) were up-regulated in rNP compared to controls and pNP. Human neutrophil elastase-positive cells were also enhanced in rNP compared with pNP. Upregulation of Th17/Th1mediators and BAFF were observed in rNP, regardless of tissue eosinophilia or asthmatic comorbidity. Interestingly, eosinophilic markers, such as eosinophil cationic protein and C-C motif chemokine ligand 24, were up-regulated in asthmatic rNP compared to pNP and controls. Levels of anti-dsDNA immunoglobulin (Ig) G and IgA were up-regulated in rNP and highest in asthmatic eosinophilic rNP among subtypes of rNP. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that Th17/Th1-associated mediators and BAFF may play a role and be a potential therapeutic target in refractory CRSwNP. Additionally, eosinophilic markers and autoantibodies may contribute to refractoriness in asthmatic rNP.

Role of Interleukin-10-Expressing B Cells on the Pathophysiology of Chronic Sinusitis / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Many kinds of inflammatory cells and cytokines are suggested to be related with pathophysiology of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyp (CRSwNP), but its mechanism is not yet fully understood. In particular, little is known about the function and role of Interleukin-10 (IL-10) producing regulatory B cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence and function of B cells, especially IL-10-producing regulatory B cells, in the nasal polyp (NP) and nasal mucosa. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Twenty patients with CRSwNP, 10 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyp (CRSsNP) and 10 control subjects were enrolled in this study. NP tissues and uncinate tissues were collected for analysis. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunohistochemistry were performed to measure the expression levels of the selected inflammatory cytokines and inflammation-associated molecules. RESULTS: In the mucosal tissues of CRSsNP patients, the number of IL-10+ B cells was significantly lower than that of NP and control mucosa of CRSwNP patients. The number of IL-10+ B cells was significantly increased in the eosinophilic NP, non-eosinohilic NP, CRSsNP, and control groups. There was a significant positive correlation between the number of IL-10+ B cells and B cell activating factor (BAFF). CONCLUSION: The expression of IL-10+ B cells and BAFF was significantly increased in CRSwNP patients compared to CRSsNP patients and control mucosal tissues, and IL-10+ B cells were more significantly increased in eosinophilic tissues. These results indicate that regulatory B cells are involved in the pathophysiology of eosinophilic NP and that BAFF contributes to the production of regulatory B cells.

Analysis of WAS gene mutation in a Chinese family affected with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To detect potential mutation of the WAS gene in a Chinese family affected with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Peripheral blood samples were collected from the proband and his family members. All exons and flanking regions of the WAS gene were subjected to PCR amplification - Sanger sequencing as well as restriction endonuclease analysis. Plasma level of B-cell activating factor (BAFF) was also determined for all family members.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A hemizygous mutation (c.257G>A) of the WAS gene was identified in all patients from the family, for which the patient's mother was heterozygous. The same mutation was not found among healthy members of the family. Compared with unaffected members, all patients had a higher level of BAFF.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The c.257G>A mutation of the WAS gene probably underlies the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome in this family.</p>

Efectos del belimumab en pacientes colombianos con lupus eritematoso sistémico, un estudio prospectivo observacional / Effects of belimumab in Colombian patients with systemic lupus erythematosus; a prospective observational study

Resumen Introducción: El belimumab es un anticuerpo monoclonal tipo IgG1 que se une e inhibe la forma soluble de Blys (estimulador de linfocitos B) y ha mostrado efectividad en el manejo del lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES). Sin embargo, se desconoce su efectividad en una población tan variable étnicamente como la colombiana. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio prospectivo observacional entre febrero de 2015 y febrero de 2016, en pacientes con LES, con enfermedad activa a pesar del tratamiento estándar, quienes fueron tratados con belimumab. Resultados: El uso de belimumab se relacionó con una mejoría significativa en los compromisos articular, cutáneo y hematológico, con aumento de los niveles de complemento, disminución de las exacerbaciones por LES y de las hospitalizaciones, además de una menor actividad calculada por SLEDAI después de 3 meses de utilización y con una estabilidad mantenida hasta los 9 meses. Conclusiones: Se observó que el belimumab es útil en pacientes colombianos con LES que son refractarios a la terapia estándar, especialmente en manifestaciones articulares, hematológicas y cutáneas, en un entorno de pacientes de la vida real.

Abstract Introduction: Belimumab, a monoclonal type Ig G1 antibody that binds and inhibits the Belimumab soluble form of the Blys (B lymphocyte stimulator) has shown to be effective in the manamanagement of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, its effectiveness is unknown in an ethnically variable population, such as in Colombia. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted between February 2015 and February 2016 on patients with active SLE disease despite being on standard treatment and who were treated with Belimumab. Results: Belimumab showed a significant improvement in joint, cutaneous and haematological involvement, with an increase in complement levels, a decrease in lupus crises and hospital admissions. After 3 months there was lower activity, calculated by SLEDAI, with stability for 9 months. Conclusions: In a real-life patient setting, it was observed that belimumab was useful in Colombian patients with SLE and refractory to standard therapy, especially in the joint, haematological, and cutaneous manifestations.

The Future of B-cell Activating Factor Antagonists in the Treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

To review B-cell activating factor (BAFF)-antagonist therapy in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), literature was searched using the search words and phrases, “BAFF”, “B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS)”, “a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL)”, “B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)”, “transmembrane activator and calcium-modulating and cyclophilin ligand interactor (TACI)”, “BLyS receptor 3 (BR3)”, “belimumab”, “atacicept”, “blisibimod”, “tabalumab”, and “lupus clinical trial”. In addition, papers from the author's personal library were searched. BAFF-antagonist therapy in SLE has a checkered past, with four late-stage clinical trials meeting their primary endpoints and four failing to do so. Additional late-stage clinical trials are enrolling subjects to address some of the remaining unresolved questions, and novel approaches are proposed to improve results. The BAFF-centric pathway is a proven therapeutic target in SLE. As the only pathway in the past 50+ years to have yielded an United States Food and Drug Administration-approved drug for SLE, it occupies a unique place in the armamentarium of the practicing rheumatologist. The challenges facing clinicians and investigators are how to better tweak the BAFF-centric pathway and improve on the successes realized.

The Future of B-cell Activating Factor Antagonists in the Treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

To review B-cell activating factor (BAFF)-antagonist therapy in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), literature was searched using the search words and phrases, “BAFF”, “B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS)”, “a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL)”, “B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)”, “transmembrane activator and calcium-modulating and cyclophilin ligand interactor (TACI)”, “BLyS receptor 3 (BR3)”, “belimumab”, “atacicept”, “blisibimod”, “tabalumab”, and “lupus clinical trial”. In addition, papers from the author's personal library were searched. BAFF-antagonist therapy in SLE has a checkered past, with four late-stage clinical trials meeting their primary endpoints and four failing to do so. Additional late-stage clinical trials are enrolling subjects to address some of the remaining unresolved questions, and novel approaches are proposed to improve results. The BAFF-centric pathway is a proven therapeutic target in SLE. As the only pathway in the past 50+ years to have yielded an United States Food and Drug Administration-approved drug for SLE, it occupies a unique place in the armamentarium of the practicing rheumatologist. The challenges facing clinicians and investigators are how to better tweak the BAFF-centric pathway and improve on the successes realized.

Papel de la citocina BAFF en las enfermedades autoinmunes: rol fisiopatológico y estrategias terapéuticas / Role of the cytokine BAFF in autoimmune diseases: physiopathology and therapeutic targets

El complejo BAFF (factor activador de células B) compuesto por la citocina BAFF, APRIL y sus receptores -BAFF-R (BR3), TACI y BCMA- influyen en la sobrevida periférica, en la maduración de los linfocitos B y en el cambio de clase de las inmunoglobulinas, con múltiples implicaciones clínicas potenciales. Las funciones biológicas de BAFF y su relevancia en varios desórdenes clínicos -autoinmunes, neoplásicos, infecciosos, incluyendo las terapias BAFF dirigidas- son revisadas y discutidas en el presente artículo. Los niveles séricos de BAFF/APRIL se encuentran incrementados en las enfermedades autoinmunes en las que sus concentraciones se relacionan con los títulos de anticuerpos, actividad, progresión de la enfermedad e incluso compromiso orgánico, haciendo de su inhibición un blanco terapéutico atractivo

The BAFF complex (B cell activator factor) composed by the BAFF cytokine, APRIL and their receptors -BAFF-R (BR3), TACI, BCMA- influences B-lymphocyte maturation, peripheral survival and immunoglobulins class isotype switching, with multiple potential clinical implications. In this review we discuss BAFF biologic functions and it relevance in several clinical disorders -autoimmune, neoplastic, infectious and BAFF therapies-. BAFF/APRIL

Expression of BAFF and BR3 in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between the expression of B cell activating factor (BAFF) and BAFF receptor in patients with disease activity of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Real-time RT-PCR was used to examine BAFF mRNA expression in peripheral blood monocytes of active and stable SLE patients and healthy controls. The percentage of BAFF receptor 3 (BR3) on B lymphocytes was measured by flow cytometry. Soluble BAFF levels in serum were assayed by ELISA. Microalbumin levels were assayed by an automatic immune analysis machine. BAFF mRNA and soluble BAFF levels were highest in the active SLE group, followed by the stable SLE group, and controls (P<0.01). The percentage of BR3 on B lymphocytes was downregulated in the active SLE group compared with the stable SLE group and controls (P<0.01). BAFF mRNA levels and soluble BAFF levels were higher in patients who were positive for proteinuria than in those who were negative (P<0.01). The percentage of BR3 on B lymphocytes was lower in patients who were positive for proteinuria than in those who were negative (P<0.01). The BAFF/BR3 axis may be over-activated in SLE patients. BAFF and BR3 levels may be useful parameters for evaluating treatment.

Effect of Hydroxychloroquine Treatment on Dry Eyes in Subjects with Primary Sjögren's Syndrome: a Double-Blind Randomized Control Study

The effect of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) on dry eye has not been fully determined. This study aimed to compare the 12-week efficacy of HCQ medication with that of a placebo in the management of dry eye in primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). A double-blind, randomized control study was conducted in 39 pSS subjects from May 2011 through August 2013. pSS was diagnosed based on the classification criteria of the American-European Consensus Group. Subjects received 300 mg of HCQ or placebo once daily for 12 weeks and were evaluated at baseline, 6, and 12 weeks, with a re-visit at 16 weeks after drug discontinuance. The fluorescein staining score, Schirmer test score, tear film break-up time (TBUT), and ocular surface disease index (OSDI) were measured, and tears and blood were collected for ESR, IL-6, IL-17, B-cell activating factor (BAFF), and Th17 cell analysis. Color testing was performed and the fundus was examined to monitor HCQ complications. Twenty-six subjects completed the follow-up. The fluorescein staining score and Schirmer test score did not differ significantly. The OSDI improved with medication in the HCQ group but was not significantly different between the groups. TBUT, serum IL-6, ESR, serum and tear BAFF, and the proportion of Th17 cells did not change in either group. HCQ at 300 mg daily for 12 weeks has no apparent clinical benefit for dry eye and systemic inflammation in pSS (ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT01601028).

BAFF knockout improves systemic inflammation via regulating adipose tissue distribution in high-fat diet-induced obesity

Obesity is recognized as a chronic low-grade inflammatory state due to adipose tissue expansion being accompanied by an increase in the production of proinflammatory adipokines. Our group is the first to report that B-cell-activating factor (BAFF) is produced from adipocytes and functions as a proinflammatory adipokine. Here, we investigated how loss of BAFF influenced diet-induced obesity in mice by challenging BAFF-/- mice with a high-fat diet for 10 weeks. The results demonstrated that weight gain in BAFF-/- mice was >30% than in control mice, with a specific increase in the fat mass of the subcutaneous region rather than the abdominal region. Expression of lipogenic genes was examined by quantitative real-time PCR, and increased lipogenesis was observed in the subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), whereas lipogenesis in the epididymal adipose tissue (EAT) was reduced. A significant decrease in EAT mass resulted in the downregulation of inflammatory gene expression in EAT, and more importantly, overall levels of inflammatory cytokines in the circulation were reduced in obese BAFF-/- mice. We also observed that the macrophages recruited in the enlarged SAT were predominantly M2 macrophages. 3T3-L1 adipocytes were cultured with adipose tissue conditioned media (ATCM), demonstrating that EAT ATCM from BAFF-/- mice contains antilipogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. Taken together, BAFF-/- improved systemic inflammation by redistributing adipose tissue into subcutaneous regions. Understanding the mechanisms by which BAFF regulates obesity in a tissue-specific manner would provide therapeutic opportunities to target obesity-related chronic diseases.

Investigation of B-cell activating factor in serum and cerebrospinal fluid of patients with neuromyelitis optical / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the expression of B-cell activating factor (BAFF) in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid of patients with neuromyelitis optical (NMO).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Clinical data were collected from 44 patients with NMO and 38 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Thirty healthy controls and 15 controls with noninflammatory neurological diseases were also recruited. The concentration of BAFF in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The mean serum BAFF level was 250.2 ± 126.9 pg/ml in NMO patients, 249.6 ± 130.7 pg/ml in MS patients, and 222.9 ± 126.1 pg/ml in the control subjects, showing no significant difference among the 3 groups (P>0.05). The mean BAFF level in the CSF was significantly higher in NMO patients than in MS patients (525.8 ± 230.0 pg/ml vs 298.4 ± 141.9 pg/ml, P<0.05), and higher in MS patients than in the control subjects (141.4 ± 76.2 pg/ml, P<0.05). Both NMO and MS group showed a positive correlation between EDSS scores and CSF BAFF level. But in NMO patients, CSF BAFF level was not associated with AQP4-antibody titer.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>BAFF in the CSF may be a useful biomarker for a differential diagnosis of NMO from MS and has an important value in evaluating the disease severity.</p>

Immunoglobulin G4-Related Disease

Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is an emerging immune-mediated fibro-inflammatory disorder which can involve any organ. The main characteristics of IgG4-RD are increased serum IgG4 concentration, abundant IgG4+ plasma cells in affected tissues, and painless swollen organs often without general symptoms. Typical pathology features of IgG4-RD are lymphoplasmacytic infiltration, dense storiform fibrosis, and obliterative pheblitis. The pathogenesis of IgG4-RD remains elusive, but involvement of excess production of type 2 T helper cells, regulatory T-cell cytokines, and B-cell activating factor in the development of IgG4-RD has been suggested. Diagnosis of IgG4-RD can be made on the basis of serological, imaging, particularly histopathological findings. Glucocorticoid is the first-line therapy for patients with multiple organ dysfunction and clinical symptoms. Drugs such as azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, methotrexate, and cyclophosphamide can be used as steroid-sparing agents. Rituximab is reported to be an effective therapy for treatment of IgG4-RD, even without concomitant glucocorticoid therapy. This review summarizes current concepts on pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, and treatment of IgG4-RD.

Elevated Serum Levels of Visfatin in Patients with Henoch-Schonlein Purpura

BACKGROUND: Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) is an immune complex-mediated disease predominantly characterized by the deposition of circulating immune complexes containing immunoglobulin A (IgA) on the walls of small vessels. Although the pathogenesis of HSP is not yet fully understood, some researchers proposed that B-cell activation might play a critical role in the development of this disease. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the serum levels of visfatin (pre-B-cell colony-enhancing factor), B-cell-activating factor (BAFF), and CXCL13, and to analyze their association with disease severity. METHODS: The serum levels of visfatin, BAFF, and CXCL13 were measured by using a double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 43 patients with HSP and 45 controls. The serum levels of IgA anticardiolipin antibodies (ACA) were detected by using a double-antigen sandwich ELISA. RESULTS: Levels of visfatin but not BAFF and CXCL13 were significantly elevated in the sera of patients with HSP in the acute stage, and restored to normal levels in the convalescent stage. Furthermore, serum levels of visfatin were significantly higher in patients with HSP having renal involvement than in those without renal involvement. Serum levels of visfatin were correlated with the severity of HSP and serum concentration of ACA-IgA. CONCLUSION: We show for the first time that the serum levels of visfatin are abnormally elevated in patients with HSP. Visfatin may be associated with the pathogenesis of HSP.

Recent Advances in the Concept and Pathogenesis of IgG4-Related Disease in the Hepato-Bilio-Pancreatic System

Recent studies have proposed nomenclatures of type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) (IgG4-related pancreatitis), IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis (IgG4-SC), IgG4-related cholecystitis, and IgG4-related hepatopathy as IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) in the hepato-bilio-pancreatic system. In IgG4-related hepatopathy, a novel concept of IgG4-related autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) with the same histopathological features as AIH has been proposed. Among organs involved in IgG4-RD, associations with pancreatic and biliary lesions are most frequently observed, supporting the novel concept of "biliary diseases with pancreatic counterparts." Targets of type 1 AIP and IgG4-SC may be periductal glands around the bile and pancreatic ducts. Based on genetic backgrounds, innate and acquired immunity, Th2-dominant immune status, regulatory T (Treg) or B cells, and complement activation via a classical pathway may be involved in the development of IgG4-RD. Although the role of IgG4 remains unclear in IgG4-RD, IgG4-production is upregulated by interleukin 10 from Treg cells and by B cell activating factor from monocytes/basophils with stimulation of toll-like receptors/nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptors. Based on these findings, we have proposed a hypothesis for the development of IgG4-RD in the hepato-bilio-pancreatic system. Further studies are necessary to clarify the pathogenic mechanism of IgG4-RD.

BAFF promotes regulatory T-cell apoptosis and blocks cytokine production by activating B cells in primary biliary cirrhosis

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a chronic and slowly progressive cholestatic liver disease of autoimmune etiology. A number of questions regarding its etiology are unclear. CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a critical role in self-tolerance and, for unknown reasons, their relative number is reduced in PBC patients. B-cell-activating factor (BAFF) is a key survival factor during B-cell maturation and its concentration is increased in peripheral blood of PBC patients. It has been reported that activated B cells inhibit Treg cell proliferation and there are no BAFF receptors on Tregs. Therefore, we speculated that excessive BAFF may result in Treg reduction via B cells. To prove our hypothesis, we isolated Tregs and B cells from PBC and healthy donors. BAFF and IgM concentrations were then analyzed by ELISA and CD40, CD80, CD86, IL-10, and TGF-β expression in B cells and Tregs were measured by flow cytometry. BAFF up-regulated CD40, CD80, CD86, and IgM expression in B cells. However, BAFF had no direct effect on Treg cell apoptosis and cytokine secretion. Nonetheless, we observed that BAFF-activated B cells could induce Treg cell apoptosis and reduce IL-10 and TGF-β expression. We also showed that BAFF-activated CD4+ T cells had no effect on Treg apoptosis. Furthermore, we verified that bezafibrate, a hypolipidemic drug, can inhibit BAFF-induced Treg cell apoptosis. In conclusion, BAFF promotes Treg cell apoptosis and inhibits cytokine production by activating B cells in PBC patients. The results of this study suggest that inhibition of BAFF activation is a strategy for PBC treatment.

Progress in the study of BLyS and APRIL on regulating T cell responses in rheumatoid arthritis / 药学学报

B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS), a tumor neurosis factor ligand superfamily, is an important factor of B cell survival and activation. However, BLyS also regulates T cell activation and survival, playing key roles in T cell-mediated autoimmune disorders. In the paper, we introduced the mechanisms of BLyS and a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) regulating T cell responses and their roles in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Effect of miR-202 on the growth of multiple myeloma cells via regulating B cell-activating factor and the underlying mechanism / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the regulating effect of miR-202 on B cell-activating factor, and check whether the regulation influences the growth of multiple myeloma cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The potential binding sites of BAFF for miR-202 were predicted using bioinformatics software. Luciferase reporter gene analysis was used to evaluate the regulatory effect of miR-202 on BAFF. Human multiple myeloma U266 cells were transfected with has-miR-202-mimics, has-miR-202-inhibitor, siBAFF and their negative controls, respectively. After above treatments, BAFF mRNA and protein levels were detected by real-time PCR and Western blot analysis, and the proliferation and apoptosis in the multiple myeloma (MM) cells were examined by WST-1 and annexin V-FLUOS assay, respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The BAFF mRNA expression levels in the untransfected group, has-miR-202-3P-mimics transfected group, has-miR-202-3P-inhibitor transfected group and siBAFF transfected group were 1.040 ± 0.057, 0.573 ± 0.073, 1.205 ± 0.097 and 0.368 ± 0.052, respectively. BAFF mRNA expressions in U266 cells transfected with has-miR-202-3P-mimics and siBAFF were significantly decreased compared with that in the untransfected group (P < 0.05). The BAFF protein expression level of each group was consistent with the mRNA assay result. The absorbance value in 450 nm of the untransfected group, has-miR-202-3P-mimics transfected group, has-miR-202-3P-inhibitor transfected group and siBAFF transfected group were 1.063 ± 0.052, 0.714 ± 0.045, 0.936 ± 0.066 and 0.764 ± 0.053, respectively. In comparison with the untransfected group, the absorbance value at 450 nm of has-miR-202-3P-mimics and siBAFF transfected groups was significantly reduced (P < 0.05). The cell apoptosis rates of untransfected group, has-miR-202-3P-mimics transfected group, has-miR-202-3P-inhibitor transfected group and siBAFF transfected group were 26.2%, 49.6%, 21.1% and 30.7%, respectively. Therefore, the cell apoptosis rate of has-miR-202-3P-mimics transfected group was significantly increased than that of the untransfected group (P < 0.05). p-JNK protein expression level was decreased in the has-miR-202-3P-mimics transfected cells.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>MiR-202 can inhibit the proliferation and induce apoptosis in MM cells via regulating BAFF. JNK/SAPK signaling pathway is involved in the regulation of BAFF by miR-202.</p>

B-cell-activating factor is a regulator of adipokines and a possible mediator between adipocytes and macrophages

3T3-L1 adipocytes express the B-cell-activating factor (BAFF) and three different BAFF receptors (BAFF-Rs). Furthermore, BAFF expression is regulated by inflammatory modulators, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha and rosiglitazone. Here we investigated the function of BAFF in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and RAW 264.7 macrophages. We examined adipokine expression in 3T3-L1 adipocytes treated with 10 ng ml-1 BAFF. We also examined inflammatory molecule expression in RAW 264.7 macrophages treated with 10 or 100 ng ml-1 BAFF. We examined BAFF expression in the coculture of 3T3-L1 adipocytes and RAW 264.7 macrophages, as well as in white adipose tissue (WAT) of diet-induced obese (DIO) mice. We found that BAFF decreases leptin and adiponectin expression, but increases the expression of proinflammatory adipokines monocyte chemotactic protein-1, interleukin-6 (IL-6), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and haptoglobin. Coculturing the two cell types resulted in increased BAFF mRNA and protein expression, as well as modulation of BAFF-R mRNA expression in both cell types. These data indicate that BAFF might mediate adipocyte and macrophage interaction. When RAW 264.7 macrophages were treated with BAFF, BAFF-R expression was modulated as in coculture, and nitric oxide synthase and IL-6 expression increased. BAFF expression also increased in WAT of DIO mice. We propose that BAFF can regulate adipokine expression and possibly mediate adipocyte and macrophage interaction.