In addition, ADF did not significantly alter the mRNA level of BAFF, a factor critical for the maturation and survival of B cells in the SMGs, and did not affect the production of antinuclear and anti-M3R autoantibodies, indicating that the protective role of ADF in sialadenitis in NOD mice is not associated with the reduced autoantibody-secreting activities of B cells. Here, TNFSF13B is linked to sialadenitis.