Recombinant Human BCMA

BCMA, also known as TNFRSF17, is a type III membrane protein and member of the TNF receptor superfamily, which are critically involved in the maintenance of homeostasis of the immune system (1). BCMA expression has been found in immune organs and mature B cell lines. Although some expression has been observed at the cell surface, BCMA appears to be localized to the Golgi compartment (2). Both BAFF and APRIL are ligands for BCMA (4-5). BCMA/BAFF binding induces B cell development and survival, activates NF-κB and c-jun N-terminal kinase, and is involved in B cell associated autoimmune diseases. The binding of BCMA to APRIL has been shown to stimulate IgM production in peripheral blood B cells and increase the survival of cultured B cells (4). This data suggests that BCMA may play an important role in B cell development, function and regulation. BCMA also binds B-lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) (6).