BAFF (B-cell Activating Factor)
Biological or Clinical Significance:
B-cell activating factor (BAFF), is a TNF superfamily member (TNSF13B) best known for its role in the survival and maturation of B cells. BAFF is produced by several cell types and tissues including monocytes, macrophages, neutrophils, dendritic cells, T lymphocytes, spleen, lymph node, and bone marrow. BAFF plays a role in autoimmune disease disorders and is elevated in the serum of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Sjögrens syndrome. It is also produced locally in the joints of patients with inflammatory arthritis and serum levels correlate with antibody titers in arthritis and Sjögrens syndrome. Consequently BAFF may act as a potential target for autoimmune therapy.
Principle of Test Method:
The BAFF assay is a solid-phase ELISA that employs the quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay principle.