Context
BLyS (BAFF, TALL-1, THANK, zTNF4) and APRIL are members of the TNF family that modulate B-cell activation and survival. TACI and BCMA are two previously characterized receptors for BLyS that also bind to APRIL. Transgenic animals that overexpress BLyS develop symptoms similar to SLE. Recombinant TACI-Ig decreases disease severity and frequency in SLE susceptible mice, thus, implicating BLyS in the development of SLE and, perhaps, autoimmune disorders in general. Elevated levels of BLyS are also observed in the serum of RA patients. In this study, the effect of TACI-Ig on arthritis in a mouse model of CIA was examined.