Identification and transformation of novel targets for immunotherapy in multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma (MM), a clonal plasma cell malignancy characterized by high chromosomal instability and inevitable relapse. Increased understanding of immune dysregulation and suppression during MM progression has led to the development of various immunotherapies over the past two decades. Immunotherapeutic strategies, including immunomodulatory imide drugs, monoclonal antibodies, immune checkpoint inhibitors, antibody-drug conjugates, chimeric antigen receptor T cells, and bispecific T cell engagers, have been evaluated in numerous clinical trials and demonstrated significant clinical efficacy, particularly in patients with relapsed and refractory MM. However, despite these substantial advances in immunotherapy, heavily pretreated patients continue to face challenges due to limited therapeutic options and the emergence of multiple drug resistance. Therefore, it is imperative to identify new targets and develop additional treatments aimed at preventing immune escape while enhancing the efficacy of existing immunotherapies.