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B‐cell–activating factor is elevated in serum of patients with myasthenia gravis

Introduction: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a B‐cell–mediated autoimmune disease. B‐cell–activating factor (BAFF) is a major factor in B‐cell development and activation. In this study we investigated serum BAFF levels in MG patients. Methods: We compared the serum BAFF levels of 20 MG patients with gender‐matched healthy controls. We assayed serum concentrations of BAFF and anti‐acetylcholine receptor antibody (AChR) titers. Results: Serum BAFF levels of MG patients with AChR antibodies were significantly higher than those of healthy controls. A significant positive correlation was observed between serum BAFF levels and anti‐AChR antibody titers. BAFF values did not correlate with disease severity. Conclusions: BAFF may play a major role in the pathogenesis of MG, and it may provide a potential target for therapy in patients with MG. Muscle Nerve 54: 1030–1033, 2016