Multiple myeloma-associated antigens

Multiple myeloma-associated antigens (MMAAs) refer to a collection of surface proteins and receptors that are preferentially or overexpressed on malignant plasma cells in multiple myeloma (MM). Prominent examples include B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA/TNFRSF17), CD38, SLAM family member 7 (SLAMF7/CS1), and G protein-coupled receptor class C group 5 member D (GPRC5D) (Tai & Anderson, 2019, Blood). These antigens are involved in critical biological processes such as cell survival, proliferation, and adhesion within the bone marrow niche, making them ideal candidates for targeted therapy (Cho et al., 2020, Frontiers in Immunology). Therapeutic interventions targeting these antigens include monoclonal antibodies (e.g., daratumumab), antibody-drug conjugates (e.g., belantamab mafodotin), bispecific T-cell engagers (e.g., teclistamab), and CAR-T cell therapies (e.g., idecabtagene vicleucel) (D'Agostino & Raje, 2020, Journal of Hematology & Oncology). While these therapies have transformed the treatment landscape for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, they are associated with specific safety concerns such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS), neurotoxicity, and increased infection risk due to on-target off-tumor effects on normal B-cell populations (Smith et al., 2019, Science Translational Medicine).

Other names

MM antigensMyeloma-specific antigensPlasma cell surface antigensMultiple myeloma-associated surface markers

Targeting of specific surface proteins on malignant plasma cells via monoclonal antibodies, bispecific T-cell engagers, or CAR-T cells to induce cell death through antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), or direct T-cell mediated lysis.