Dissecting BAFF Receptor Signals: Key Mediators Of B-Lymphocyte Survival And Autoimmune Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$376,165.00
Summary
B-Cells of the immune system need a growth factor named 'BAFF' to grow and survive. Elevated levels of BAFF have been detected in patients suffering from autoimmune diseases like lupus and arthritis, and B-Cell cancers like myeloma. This study will determine the identity of the chemical messages that BAFF sends to B-Cells, and how these facilitate B-Cell growth and survival. This will provide a framework for the design of targeted drug therapies that reduce the severity of BAFF related diseases.