Multiple myeloma antigen presentation

Multiple myeloma antigen presentation describes the process by which antigens from multiple myeloma cells are processed and displayed on the cell surface, mostly via major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I or II molecules, to T cells. This process is crucial for immune recognition and cytotoxic T cell targeting of tumor cells. In multiple myeloma, both myeloma cells and antigen-presenting cells (such as dendritic cells) exhibit deficiencies in antigen processing and presentation machinery, leading to reduced immune surveillance and facilitating tumor immune escape. These defects include downregulation of MHC molecules, altered expression of co-stimulatory molecules, and disruption of antigen processing machinery components such as TAP1/TAP2 transporters and proteasome subunits[1][2][3]. Antigen presentation deficiencies contribute to myeloma’s resistance to the immune system and are an area of focus for immunotherapy development. However, the process itself is not a molecular target but rather a key biological mechanism underlying multiple myeloma pathology.