Description
BAFF receptor (B-cell activating factor receptor, BAFF-R), also known as tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 13C (TNFRSF13C), is a membrane protein of the TNF receptor superfamily which recognizes BAFF.
B-cell activating factor (BAFF) enhances B-cell survival in vitro and is a regulator of the peripheral B-cell population.
Overexpression of BAFF in mice results in mature B-cell hyperplasia and symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Also, some SLE patients have increased levels of BAFF in serum.
Therefore, it has been proposed that abnormally high levels of BAFF may contribute to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases by enhancing the survival of autoreactive B cells