APRIL and TALL-1 and receptors BCMA and TACI: system for regulating humoralimmunity

We report that the tumor neurosis factor homolog APRIL (a proliferation-inducing ligand) stimulates in vitro proliferation of primary B and T cells and increases spleen weight due to accumulation of B cells in vivo. APRIL functions via binding to BCMA (B cell maturation antigen) and TACI (transmembrane activator and CAML-interactor) and competes with TALL-1 (also called BLyS or BAFF) for receptor binding. Soluble BCMA and TACI specifically prevent binding of APRIL and block APRIL-stimulated proliferation of primary B cells. BCMA-Fc also inhibits production of antibodies against keyhole limpet hemocyanin and Pneumovax in mice, indicating that APRIL and/or TALL-1 signaling via BCMA and/or TACI are required for generation of humoral immunity. Thus, APRIL–TALL-1 and BCMA-TACI form a two ligands–two receptors pathway involved in stimulation of B and T cell function.