BLyS: Member of the Tumor Necrosis Factor Family and B Lymphocyte Stimulator

TLDR

The TNF superfamily comprises soluble and membrane‑bound cytokines that regulate immune responses, and BLyS appears to mediate monocyte‑driven B‑cell activation. BLyS stimulates B‑cell proliferation, immunoglobulin secretion, and acts as a potent growth factor, with its expression upregulated by interferon‑γ; recombinant BLyS alters splenic architecture and raises serum Ig, reflecting its B‑cell tropism via receptor expression.

Abstract

The tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily of cytokines includes both soluble and membrane-bound proteins that regulate immune responses. A member of the human TNF family, BLyS (B lymphocyte stimulator), was identified that induced B cell proliferation and immunoglobulin secretion. BLyS expression on human monocytes could be up-regulated by interferon-γ. Soluble BLyS functioned as a potent B cell growth factor in costimulation assays. Administration of soluble recombinant BLyS to mice disrupted splenic B and T cell zones and resulted in elevated serum immunoglobulin concentrations. The B cell tropism of BLyS is consistent with its receptor expression on B-lineage cells. The biological profile of BLyS suggests it is involved in monocyte-driven B cell activation.