B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) (BCMA)

B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA), also known as tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 17 (TNFRSF17), is a cell surface receptor primarily expressed on late-stage B cells and plasma cells. It plays a critical role in the survival and proliferation of long-lived plasma cells by binding to its ligands, BAFF (B-cell activating factor) and APRIL (a proliferation-inducing ligand). In the context of multiple myeloma, BCMA is highly and nearly universally expressed on malignant plasma cells, making it an ideal therapeutic target for selective elimination of tumor cells. The term "Multiple Myeloma-associated antigen" is often used as a descriptive category for several antigens overexpressed in this malignancy, including BCMA, GPRC5D, and FcRH5. However, BCMA is the most clinically prominent target in this class. Current therapeutic strategies targeting BCMA include chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies, bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTEs), and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). These therapies have demonstrated significant efficacy in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, and monitoring soluble BCMA levels in the blood has emerged as a valuable biomarker for disease burden and treatment response.

Other names

TNFRSF17CD269BCMTumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 17Multiple myeloma-associated antigen (generic)MMAA

Targeting of BCMA-expressing malignant plasma cells via CAR-T cell therapy, bispecific antibodies, or antibody-drug conjugates to induce cell death through direct cytotoxicity, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), or T-cell mediated lysis.