Generation and characterization of LymphoStat-B, a human monoclonal antibody that antagonizes the bioactivities of B lymphocyte stimulator.

Objective: To identify and characterize a fully human antibody directed against B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS), a tumor necrosis factor-related cytokine that plays a critical role in the regulation of B cell maturation and development. Elevated levels of BLyS have been implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases.

Methods: A human phage display library was screened for antibodies against human BLyS.