BAFF and APRIL signaling through B cell maturation antigen affects regulatory transitional B cells in multiple sclerosis.

Abstract Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating neuro-autoimmune disease that can be stratified into relapsing remitting (RR) MS, secondary progressive (SP) and primary (PP) MS. B cells have both inflammatory regulatory functions in Transitional are considered to BAFF APRIL, two cytokines, signals through the receptors BAFFR, TACI BCMA thought drive function of transitional cells. Here, we assessed frequencies expression on surface blood RRMS, PPMS healthy individuals along with soluble versions these plasma. We found were decreased RRMS patients. The was significantly lower from patients but not compared no change BAFFR. In addition, elevated levels difference BAFFR TACI. Our data suggests reduced signaling associated numbers PPMS. patients, there higher which could act as blocker APRIL Altogether, our contributing MS dysregulation may different mechanism. This study supported by grants NMSS (RG-1602-07722), NIH (R01AI137047 R01EY027346) awarded R.C. Axtell.