Signaling through the B cell antigen receptor promotes activation and survival of mature B
cells. B cell-activating factor belonging to the tumor necrosis factor family (BAFF) is another
critical survival factor for B cells, and is also necessary for B cell maturation. Abnormal
production of BAFF disturbs immune tolerance by allowing the survival of autoreactive B
cells, thus triggering autoimmune disorders. BAFF can also have an important impact on B
cell malignancies. In contrast to normal B cells, malignant B cells show uncontrolled cell …