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The role of B cell–activating factor in autoimmune myasthenia gravis
Author(s) -
Lisak Robert P.,
Ragheb Samia
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
annals of the new york academy of sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.712
H-Index - 248
eISSN - 1749-6632
pISSN - 0077-8923
DOI - 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2012.06842.x
Subject(s) - myasthenia gravis , b cell activating factor , immunology , pathogenesis , medicine , b cell , antibody
B cell–activating factor (BAFF) is important in the development and maturation of B cells and their progeny—plasma blasts and plasma cells. There is increasing evidence that BAFF is involved in the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases including myasthenia gravis. Increased expression of BAFF and receptors for BAFF have been demonstrated in thymus of patients with myasthenia gravis, and an increase in serum levels of BAFF have been reported in patients with myasthenia gravis. While the exact role of BAFF in the pathogenesis of myasthenia gravis is not clear, BAFF and its receptors may provide potential targets for therapy in patients with myasthenia gravis.