Signaling by TNF family members BLyS/BAFF and CD40L in normal and neoplastic primary B cells

28 March 2006

Eunice Hatada
Weill Medical College
Cornell University

Abstract

BLyS/BAFF and CD40L play critical roles in B cell development and function. The role of BLyS and CD40L in promoting the survival of normal mature B cells and of terminally differentiated B cells (plasma cells) from multiple myeloma will be discussed. The mechanisms for their anti-apoptotic function through activation of NF-kappaB and Bcl-2 family proteins will be presented.