Showing papers by "Christine Ambrose published in 2000"

Baff Binds to the Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor–Like Molecule B Cell Maturation Antigen and Is Important for Maintaining the Peripheral B Cell Population

Abstract: The tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family member B cell activating factor (BAFF) binds B cells and enhances B cell receptor–triggered proliferation. We find that B cell maturation antigen (BCMA), a predicted member of the TNF receptor family expressed primarily in mature B cells, is a receptor for BAFF. Although BCMA was previously localized to the Golgi apparatus, BCMA was found to be expressed on the surface of transfected cells and tonsillar B cells. A soluble form of BCMA, which inhibited the binding of BAFF to a B cell line, induced a dramatic decrease in the number of peripheral B cells when administered in vivo. Moreover, culturing splenic cells in the presence of BAFF increased survival of a percentage of the B cells. These results are consistent with a role for BAFF in maintaining homeostasis of the B cell population.

A Soluble Form of B Cell Maturation Antigen, a Receptor for the Tumor Necrosis Factor Family Member April, Inhibits Tumor Cell Growth

Abstract: A proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) is a ligand of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family that stimulates tumor cell growth in vitro and in vivo. Expression of APRIL is highly upregulated in many tumors including colon and prostate carcinomas. Here we identify B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) and transmembrane activator and calcium modulator and cyclophilin ligand (CAML) interactor (TACI), two predicted members of the TNF receptor family, as receptors for APRIL. APRIL binds BCMA with higher affinity than TACI. A soluble form of BCMA, which inhibits the proliferative activity of APRIL in vitro, decreases tumor cell proliferation in nude mice. Growth of HT29 colon carcinoma cells is blocked when mice are treated once per week with the soluble receptor. These results suggest an important role for APRIL in tumorigenesis and point towards a novel anticancer strategy.

Baff receptor (bcma), an immunoregulatory agent

Abstract: A novel receptor in the TNF family is provided: BAFF-R. Chimeric molecules and antibodies to BAFF-R and methods of use thereof are also provided.

Baff, inhibitors thereof and their use in the modulation of b-cell response

Abstract: The invention provides methods for treating or preventing disorders associated with expression of BAFF comprising BAFF and fragments thereof, antibodies, agonists and antagonists.

Recepteur de baff (bcma) et agent immunoregulateur

Abstract: L'invention concerne un nouveau recepteur de la famille TNF: BAFF-R. L'invention concerne aussi des molecules et des anticorps au BAFF-R et des procedes d'utilisation correspondants.

Recepteur (bcma) de la proteine april, et ses utilisations

Abstract: L'invention concerne un recepteur de la famille des facteurs de necrose tumorale : APRIL-R. L'invention concerne egalement des molecules chimeres de APRIL-R, des anticorps diriges contre APRIL-R et leurs methodes d'utilisation.

Baff, agents bloquants associes et utilisation de ceux-ci pour stimuler et inhiber la reponse immunitaire des lymphocytes b et des immunoglobulines

Abstract: L'invention concerne des traitements curatifs ou preventifs des troubles associes a l'expression de BAFF (facteur activateur des lymphocytes B appartenant a la famille des TNF). Ce traitement fait appel a des BAFF, des fragments de ces derniers, des anticorps, des agonistes ou des antagonistes.