Methods of screening for a compound that inhibits the interaction between BAFF and BCMA
A novel receptor in the TNF family is provided: BAFF-R. Chimeric molecules and antibodies to BAFF-R and methods of use thereof are also provided.
1. A method of screening for a compound that inhibits the interaction between BAFF (B-cell activating factor of the TNF family) and BCMA (B Cell Maturation Antigen), wherein the method comprises performing an ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) to test a compound for the ability to inhibit soluble BAFF from binding to a BCMA-Ig fusion protein comprising amino acid residues 1 to 51 of SEQ ID NO:1, and wherein the BCMA-Ig fusion protein does not comprise the transmembrane domain of BCMA (amino acids 53 to 81 of SEQ ID NO:1).
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein prior to testing the compound for the ability to inhibit soluble BAFF from binding to a BCMA-Ig fusion protein, the compound is tested for the ability to bind to a BCMA-Ig fusion protein.