In this article the authors review the 'BAFF/APRIL system', a complex of the cytokines BAFF and APRIL, their receptors and signalling pathways. The efficacy of belimumab, an anti-BAFF biologic agent used in clinical trials for SLE, is used to develop an argument that the BAFF/APRIL system is an important regulator of autoimmunity. Future therapies for SLE could fine-tune these cytokine signalling pathways to regulate autoreactive B cell survival and autoimmunity.
- Fabien B. Vincent
- Eric F. Morand
- Fabienne Mackay