Characterization of the 5'-flanking region and regulation of transcription of human BAFF-R gene.

B-cell activating factor (BAFF) is critical for maintaining the development and homeostasis of B cells. Overexpression of BAFF is associated with autoimmune diseases and malignant B lymphoma. BAFF receptor (BAFF-R) was found to be a specific receptor of BAFF. It not only plays a significant role in splenic B-cell maturation but also works as a major mediator in BAFF-dependent costimulatory response in peripheral B and T cells. Previous studies have demonstrated that BAFF-R is related to several diseases; however, the molecular mechanism of BAFF-R genic transcription has not been clearly defined. The aim of this study was to investigate the transcriptional regulation of the BAFF-R gene. This study was designed to clone and characterize the 5′-regulatory region of the human BAFF-R gene and determine the mechanisms involved in its transcriptional regulation. In addition, the effects of interferon (IFN)-γ and BAY11-7082 (inhibitor of nuclear factor [NF]-κB) on the expression and promoter activity of BAFF-R we...