Abstract
The role of B cells and antibodies in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) is controversial. We investigated the expression of B-cell-activating factor of the tumor necrosis factor family (BAFF), a protein indispensable for B-cell survival, and of its three receptors in MS patients and controls. BAFF mRNA levels in monocytes, and BAFF-receptor mRNA in B and T cells, were higher in patients than in healthy controls; yet, BAFF protein levels in cerebrospinal fluid and plasma were similar in patients and headache controls. In addition, each MS disease course was associated with a unique expression pattern for all four molecules.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Adult
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Aged
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B-Cell Activating Factor
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B-Cell Activation Factor Receptor
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Cells, Cultured
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Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
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Female
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Humans
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Leukocytes, Mononuclear / immunology
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Leukocytes, Mononuclear / metabolism
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Male
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Membrane Proteins / biosynthesis*
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Middle Aged
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Multiple Sclerosis / metabolism*
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Multiple Sclerosis / pathology
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Prognosis
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RNA, Messenger / analysis
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Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / biosynthesis*
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Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
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Transmembrane Activator and CAML Interactor Protein
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Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / biosynthesis*
Substances
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B-Cell Activating Factor
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B-Cell Activation Factor Receptor
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Membrane Proteins
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RNA, Messenger
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Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor
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TNFRSF13B protein, human
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TNFRSF13C protein, human
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TNFSF13B protein, human
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Transmembrane Activator and CAML Interactor Protein
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Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha