B-cell maturation antigen (TNFRSF17) (BCMA)

B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA), also known as TNFRSF17, is a critical cell surface receptor primarily expressed on mature B lymphocytes and plasma cells. It plays a fundamental 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), which triggers pro-survival signaling pathways such as NF-κB. Due to its highly selective expression on malignant plasma cells in multiple myeloma and its near absence on other essential tissues, BCMA has emerged as a premier therapeutic target. Current clinical strategies include BCMA-directed CAR T-cell therapies, bispecific antibodies, and antibody-drug conjugates, which have shown significant efficacy in treating relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. Beyond oncology, BCMA is also being investigated for its role in autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus, where pathogenic plasma cells contribute to disease progression.

Other names

Tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 17TNFRSF17CD269BCM

Antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), Bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE), Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy