B-cell maturation antigen-Cluster of differentiation 3 complex (BCMA-CD3) (BCMA-CD3)

The BCMA-CD3 cell-cell interface is a therapeutic target formed by the simultaneous binding of a bispecific agent to B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) on plasma cells and the CD3 epsilon subunit of the T-cell receptor complex on T-lymphocytes (Moreau et al., 2022, The Lancet). BCMA, also known as TNFRSF17, is a cell surface receptor predominantly expressed on late-stage B cells and plasma cells, where it plays a critical role in cell survival and proliferation (UniProt Q02223). In malignancies such as multiple myeloma, BCMA is highly overexpressed, making it an ideal tumor-associated antigen (Cho et al., 2020, Frontiers in Immunology). By bridging BCMA-positive tumor cells with CD3-positive cytotoxic T cells, bispecific antibodies facilitate the formation of an artificial immune synapse. This interaction triggers T-cell activation, secretion of perforins and granzymes, and subsequent lysis of the target myeloma cell, independent of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) recognition (NCI Drug Dictionary). This target has revolutionized the treatment of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, though it is associated with significant immune-related adverse events like cytokine release syndrome (FDA, 2022).

Other names

TNFRSF17-CD3BCMA-CD3 epsilonB-cell maturation antigen-T-cell receptor complex interfaceBCMA-CD3 bispecific target

T-cell redirection and activation leading to redirected lysis of BCMA-expressing plasma cells.