InVivoSIM anti-human BAFF (Belimumab Biosimilar)

About InVivoSIM anti-human BAFF (Belimumab Biosimilar)

This non-therapeutic biosimilar antibody uses the same variable regions as the therapeutic antibody, Belimumab, making it ideal for research use. Belimumab is a humanized IgG1 lambda recombinant monoclonal antibody that reacts with B-cell activating factor (BAFF), also known as B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) or TNFSF13B. BAFF is a cytokine that belongs to the TNF ligand family and is expressed by monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, and lymphoid cells, including B cells and activated T cells. BAFF exists as a cell surface type II transmembrane protein and a cleaved soluble form. BAFF interacts with three distinct receptors: B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA, also known as TNFRSF17), transmembrane activator and calcium-modulator and cyclophilin ligand interactor (TACI, also known as TNFRSF13B), and BAFF receptor (BAFF-R or BR3). BAFF’s expression is upregulated by IFNγ and IFNα (on monocytes and dendritic cells), and IL-10 is known to stimulate BAFF secretion by macrophages. BAFF shares amino acids and functional similarities with TNFSF13/APRIL, which also binds to TACI and BCMA receptors, but not with BR3. BAFF is involved in the stimulation of B-cell and T-cell function and the regulation of humoral immunity. BAFF promotes the survival of immature, naive, and activated B cells. Importantly, BAFF facilitates the differentiation of B cells into plasma cells. BAFF is a B cell survival factor, and its expression is often elevated in immunodeficient and autoimmune disorders, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In experimental studies, belimumab is documented to inhibit the survival of B cells through blockade of BAFF interaction with TACI, BCMA, and BR3. The critical role of BAFF in the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) forms the basis for SLE immunotherapy with BAFF-blocking antibodies, such as belimumab.