B-lymphocyte antigen CD19 and B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) (CD19/BCMA)

B-lymphocyte antigen CD19 (CD19) and B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) are two critical cell-surface proteins used as therapeutic targets in hematologic malignancies and autoimmune disorders [4, 6]. CD19 is a pan-B cell marker expressed throughout B-cell development, playing a vital role in modulating B-cell receptor signaling and activation [9, 14]. BCMA, a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, is primarily expressed on late-stage B cells and plasma cells, where it is essential for their survival and proliferation [7, 10]. While CD19 is the primary target for B-cell lymphomas and leukemias, BCMA is the predominant target for multiple myeloma [4, 12]. Recently, dual-targeting strategies (CD19/BCMA) have been developed to overcome antigen escape and target both the bulk tumor and potential myeloma stem cells, showing high efficacy in relapsed/refractory patients [1, 13, 18]. These targets are addressed by various modalities, including CAR-T cells, bispecific antibodies, and antibody-drug conjugates [4, 8, 15]. Clinical use of these therapies is often associated with significant toxicities such as cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity [4, 16].

Other names

CD19BCMATNFRSF17B4CD269B-cell maturation antigenB-lymphocyte surface antigen B4Tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 17

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE), antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), and monoclonal antibody-mediated cytotoxicity.