B6-hBAFFR (hTNFRSF13C) Mouse

The gene TNFRSF13C encodes the B cell-activating factor receptor (BAFF-R), also known as BLyS receptor 3 (BR3) or CD268. As a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily (TNFRSF), BAFF-R functions as a crucial type III transmembrane signaling protein on lymphocytes. Its expression is predominantly observed on the surface of B cells throughout various stages of their development, from transitional to mature naive and memory populations, underscoring its vital role in peripheral B cell homeostasis ^[1]. BAFF-R serves as the primary receptor for the cytokine BAFF (TNFSF13B), and their interaction delivers essential survival and maturation signals to B cells, mediated through downstream pathways including the activation of NF-κB and PI3K. Genetic alterations in TNFRSF13C, including point mutations and deletions, or dysregulation of the BAFF-BAFF-R axis, are increasingly recognized for their contribution to immune pathology ^[2]. Such aberrations are associated with primary immunodeficiencies like common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), characterized by profound defects in antibody production and recurrent infections, as well as a range of autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Sjögren's syndrome, and certain B cell malignancies ^[2-3]. The critical, non-redundant function of BAFF-R in B cell biology highlights its significance as a key node in adaptive immunity and positions the BAFF-BAFF-R pathway as a compelling target for therapeutic intervention in a spectrum of immune-mediated disorders.

The B6-hBAFFR (hTNFRSF13C) mouse is a humanized model constructed by replacing the sequence of the mouse Tnfrsf13c endogenous extracellular domain in situ with the corresponding extracellular domain from the human TNFRSF13C. The B6-hBAFFR (hTNFRSF13C) mice can be used for the study of the pathogenesis of immune-mediated disorders such as common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and Sjögren's syndrome, and certain B cell malignancies, as well as for TNFRSF13C-targeted drug development.