Tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, member 17 (TNFRSF17), also known as B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) or CD269 antigen, is a member of the TNF-receptor superfamily. This receptor is preferentially expressed in mature Blymphocytes, and may be important for B cell development and autoimmune response. This receptor has been shown to specifically bind to the tumor necrosis factor (ligand) superfamily, member 13b (TNFSF13BBAFF), and to lead to NF kappaB and MAPK8/JNK activation. TNFRSF17/BCMA/CD269 also binds to various TRAF family members, and thus may transduce signals for cell survival and proliferation. TNFRSF17/BCMA/CD269 is a receptor for TALL-1 and BCMA activates NF-kappaB through a TRAF5-, TRAF6-, NIK-, and IKK-dependent pathway. The identification of TNFRSF17 as a NF-kappaB-activating receptor for TALL-1 suggests molecular targets for drug development against certain immunodeficient or autoimmune diseases. TNFRSF17/BCMA is a target of donor B-cell immunity in patients with myeloma who respond to DLI. Antibody responses to cell-surface BCMA may contribute directly to tumor rejection in vivo.