LEVELS OF BCMA PROTEIN EXPRESSION ON B CELLS AND USE IN DIAGNOSTIC METHODS

摘要

The present invention provides a method of measuring the levels of BCMA B-cell maturation protein in a biological sample, specifically upon the B cell surface. The diagnostic assays are useful in predicting an individual's likelihood of developing or currently suffering from an autoimmune disease, such as SLE, and for methods for treating an individual clinically diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. This diagnostic test serves to predict a patient's likelihood to respond to a specific drug treatment, in particular treatment with BLyS antagonists, either singly or in combination with other immune suppressive drugs.