Bone marrow cell surface proteins

Bone marrow cell surface proteins refer to a broad category of molecular markers expressed on the exterior of cells residing within the bone marrow environment, such as hematopoietic stem cells, mesenchymal stromal cells, and various immune cell lineages (NIH, 2021). These proteins, which include receptors, adhesion molecules, and enzymes, are essential for regulating hematopoiesis, cell-to-cell communication, and the migration of cells into and out of the bone marrow niche (PubMed, 2022). In clinical medicine, these surface proteins are primarily utilized as targets for the diagnosis and treatment of hematologic malignancies, including multiple myeloma, leukemia, and lymphoma (StatPearls, 2023). For instance, CD38 and BCMA are prominent targets for monoclonal antibodies and CAR-T therapies in multiple myeloma, while CD34 is a hallmark marker for identifying and isolating hematopoietic stem cells for transplantation (UniProt, 2023). Therapeutic strategies often involve using these proteins to direct cytotoxic agents or immune cells specifically to malignant populations (PubChem, 2023). However, because many of these proteins are also expressed on healthy progenitor cells, treatment can lead to significant side effects such as myelosuppression and increased susceptibility to infections (NIH, 2023). This entry is considered incorrect as a single therapeutic target because it describes a heterogeneous class of proteins rather than a specific molecular entity.

Other names

Bone marrow markersHematopoietic cell surface antigensBone marrow stromal cell antigensCD markersBone marrow cell surface markers

Targeting specific surface proteins (e.g., CD38, BCMA, CXCR4) using monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, or small molecules to induce apoptosis, inhibit cell migration, or recruit immune effector cells.