Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) plays a pivotal role in the mechanism of rheumatoid arthritis. In July
Two closely related TNF family ligands, B lymphocyte stimulator (BlyS) and a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL), bind to two TNF receptors called transmembrane activator and CAML interactor (TACI) and B cell maturation molecule (BCMA). These ligand-receptor interactions are known to regulate humoral B cell immune responses.
Working with a murine model of rheumatoid arthritis (collagen-induced arthritis -CIA) Wang et al. found that TACI-Fc treatment substantially inhibited inflammation, bone and cartilage destruction and disease development. In addition, TACI-Fc blocked the activation of T cells in vitro and inhibited antigen-specific T cell activation and priming in vivo (Nat Immunol ...