ABSTRACT

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease, characterized by overactive B and T cell responses and loss of immune tolerance against self-antigens. B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) and APRIL are cytokines that support B cell activation, maintenance and plasma cell survival. Both molecules play key roles in the pathogenesis of SLE. In this review, we tried to explain the contribution of BLyS and APRIL to the pathogenesis of SLE in detail.