B-Cell Activating Factor (BAFF) & Lupus

Diagnosing lupus and lupus nephritis is a challenging process. Today, rheumatologists rely on a combination of laboratory tests, symptom logs, family history, and clinical expertise. But, new research is identifying particular proteins that may be indicative of lupus. A study published in 2018 explored the presence of an enzyme called B-cell activating factor (BAFF) that can be detected in urine. 189 people participated in the study (85 people with systemic lupus erythematosus, 28 people with primary Sjögren’s syndrome, 40 people with immunoglobulin A nephropathy, and 36 control participants). In addition to a urinalysis, the participants overall and renal lupus disease activity were measured with the SLEDAI-2000. The researchers found B-cell activating factor “in a small but…significant proportion of SLE patients but not in the other groups tested.” It was found in 12% (10/85 people) of patients with SLE, and in 28% (5/18 people) of people with active lupus nephritis. Previous research had explored B-cell activating factor in urine, and suggested that it could be associated with a lupus diagnosis. These studies support the theory that B-cells play a significant role in the development of lupus.

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