BAFF is mainly produced by innate immune cells such as neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, follicular dendritic cells. T cells, activated B cells, some malignant B cells and also non-lymphoid cells like astrocytes, synoviocytes and epithelial cells can also produce BAFF. BAFF binds three distinct receptors (BAFF-R, TACI and BCMA) expressed predominantly on B cells, although activated T cells also express BAFF-R. BAFF is a master regulator of peripheral B cell survival, and together with IL-6, promotes Ig class-switching and plasma cell differentiation. Besides its major role in B cell biology, BAFF co-stimulates activated T cells. Deregulated expression of BAFF leads to autoimmune disorders in mice. In humans, elevated levels of soluble BAFF have been detected in the serum of patients with various autoimmune diseases such as Sjoegren syndrome, Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Multiple sclerosis (MS) and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). BAFF has also increased levels in some lymphoid cancers.
Source
Recombinant protein corresponding to the receptor-binding domain of human BAFF, aa136-285, fused at N-terminal to the Fc portion of human IgG1, expressed in CHO cells.
Molecular Weight
~50kD (SDS-PAGE; reducing conditions) ~100kD (SDS-PAGE; non-reducing conditions) ~300kD (SDS-PAGE; native conditions; multimerizes and forms hexamers)
Biological Activity
Rescues the production of mature follicular and marginal zone B cells. - in vitro: Addition of 1-100ng/ml of Fc-BAFF induces B cell survival in a dose-dependent manner. - in vivo: Fc-BAFF treatment rescues mature B cell development in BAFF deficient mice. Mice are injected at day 0 with 100ug Fc-BAFF i.v. and at day 14 with 50ug Fc-BAFF i.p.
Endotoxin
<0.01EU/ug (LAL test; Lonza)
Storage and Stability
Lyophilized powder may be stored at -20°C. Stable for 12 months after receipt at -20°C. Reconstitute with sterile buffer or ddH2O. Aliquot to avoid repeated freezing and thawing. Store at -20°C. Reconstituted product is stable for 6 months at -20°C. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap. Further dilutions can be made in assay buffer.
Source
Recombinant, CHO cells
Concentration
~0.1mg/ml (after reconstitution)
Form
Supplied as a lyophilized powder in PBS. Reconstitute with 100ul sterile ddH2O.
Important Note
This product as supplied is intended for research use only, not for use in human, therapeutic or diagnostic applications without the expressed written authorization of United States Biological.