BAFF, RELATED BLOCKING AGENTS AND THEIR USE IN STIMULATION AND INHIBITION OF B-CELLS AND IMMUNOGLOBULINS IN IMMUNE RESPONSES

摘要

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To identify and characterize additional molecules which are members of the TNF (Tumor Necrosis Factor) family thereby providing additional means of controlling disorders and manipulating the immune system.SOLUTION: According to the invention, there is provided a use of a soluble BAFF (B cell-activating factor belonging to the TNF family) ligand or an active fragment thereof for preparing a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of immunosuppressive disorders. There is also provided a use of a soluble BAFF ligand or an active fragment thereof for preparing a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of the immunosuppressive disorders by stimulating B-cell proliferation in a patient. A use of a soluble BAFF ligand or an active fragment thereof for preparing a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of the immunosuppressive disorders by stimulating the production of immunoglobulin in a patient is further provided.