Macrophage-derived BAFF induces AID expression through the p38MAPK/CREB and JNK/AP-1 pathways.

BAFF is expressed primarily by macrophages and DCs. BAFF stimulates the differentiation and survival of B cells and induces Ig production. We have demonstrated previously that murine macrophages treated with TGF-β1 or IFN-γ express membrane-bound and soluble forms of BAFF. The ability of these two forms of BAFF to induce expression of AID, which plays a critical role in Ig CSR in B cells, was investigated. Both forms of BAFF, derived from macrophages activated by IFN-γ or TGF-β1, can increase AID expression. Subsequent analysis of BAFF signaling suggested that BAFF induces AID through BCMA, a BAFF-receptor, and p38MAPK and CREB act as intermediates in AID expression. In addition, JNK and AP-1 have similar activities. Our findings suggest that macrophage-derived BAFF stimulates B cells to express AID through BCMA and at least two different pathways, including the p38MAPK/CREB and the JNK/AP-1 pathways.