ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the expression of PD-1 and PD-L1/2 in T cell subsets and myeloma cells in the bone marrow from newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients and their relation with clinical features. Methods We collected the bone marrow and clinical data of 22 NDMM patients and 18 cases of healthy controls. We sorted CD4+T cells, CD8+T cells and myeloma cells by flow cytometry, and observed the expression of PD-1 and PD-L1/2. Results Compared with the control group, the proportion of CD8+T cells in the NDMM group was significantly higher, while the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ was significantly lower (both P < 0.05). The expression levels of PD-1 and PD-L2 in CD4+T cells in the NDMM group were significantly higher than those in the control group (both P < 0.05). The expression levels of PD-1, PD-L1 and PD-L2 in T cell subsets and myeloma cells of NDMM patients were not correlated with the gender, age, immune typing, Durie-Salmon stage and subtypes, ISS stage or mSMART3.0 stratification (both P > 0.05). Conclusion Most of MM patients suffering immune abnormality, which may be associated with the mutual immunosuppressive effects between T lymphocytes and plasma cells which expressing PD-1 and PD-L1/2.
ABSTRACT
Multiple myeloma is a type of hematological malignancy caused by clonal plasma cell proliferation. In recent years, the application of proteasome inhibitors and immune drugs (IMiDs) in multiple myeloma has prolonged the survival period of patients and improved the quality of life. However, due to the heterogeneity, recurrence and drug resistance of the disease, MM is still incurable. Relatively good response rates of immune checkpoint inhibitors such as Pembrolizumab, Nivolumab, Pidilizumab, Atezolizumab and Durvalumab offer MM a new hope. This article reviews the relevant literature in recent years, introduces the immune pathogenesis of MM, PD-1/PD-L1/2-related immune pathway and the current status of immunotherapy, to provide reference for the immunotherapy of MM.