Fig. 2

A As known a breakdown in the mechanisms that control the central and/or peripheral tolerance may lead to an expansion and differentiation of autoreactive T cells in turn able to activate B autoreactive lymphocytes. B B cells may be activated classically by T lymphocytes or alternatively by direct link between immunocomplexes containing self-DNA/RNA and TLRs. Moreover, BAFF/Blys has broad potential implications in SLE pathogenesis, since it influences peripheral B cell survival, maturation and immunoglobulin class switch. Moreover, BAFF/Blys is upregulated by IFN-γ, IL-10 and CD40 ligand produced during inflammatory conditions (TLRs Toll-like receptors, BAFF B cell activating factor, Blys B lymphocyte stimulator)