An excess B-cell response increases circulating autoantibody levels in patients with certain autoimmune disorders, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren's syndrome, and RA.27, 29, 30 We reported previously that TNF-α-induced BAFF controls RA angiogenesis by regulating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in synoviocytes.31 This evidence concerns the gene VEGFA and autoimmune disease.