BCMA

Human B cell maturation antigen (BCMA, also known as CD269 or TNFRSF17) is a type III transmembrane glycoprotein playing a central role in B cell maturation and differentiation towards plasma cells [1]. It is expressed on plasma cells, mature B cells as well as multiple myeloma (MM) cells. Interestingly, hBCMA is expressed at similar levels throughout the different stages of MM, which makes it a frequently used target for T cell redirection therapy.

The BiTE^® Molecule AMG 420 , also known as pacanalotamab targeting hCD3 and hBCMA, engages unstimulated T cells to proliferate and subsequently trigger T cell-mediated lysis of hBCMA-positive cells. Thus, antigen presentation is not required, co-stimulation events are bypassed, and T cells remain persistently activated [2].

By interacting with its ligands BAFF (B cell-activating factor) and APRIL (a proliferation-inducing ligand), hBCMA activates several pathways such as NF-κB, AKT, PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase), STAT3, and MAPKT [1, 3]. These various interactions result in enhanced B cell survival and proliferation through the upregulation of anti-apoptotic proteins. Also, it can promote tumor cell growth, survival, and drug resistance [1].

CD3

The cluster of differentiation 3 (CD3, formerly named T3) is a multimeric protein complex consisting of four polypeptides (CD3ε, CD3γ, CD3δ, and CD3ζ) that assemble as three dimers (εγ, εδ, and ζζ) [4]. It is a marker of T cells, which recognizes and participates in the elimination of infected cells and tumor cells through the interaction between the TCR (T cell receptor) on T cells and the MHC-peptide complex on antigen-presenting cells [4-5]. Because of its short cytoplasmic tail, the TCR lacks the ability to signal and requires non-covalent association with the CD3. Upon antigen recognition, the TCR/CD3 complex on T cells triggers downstream intracellular signaling and participates in T cell activation [4].

1. Abramson et al., 2020. B-Cell Maturation Antigen (BCMA) as a Target for New Drug Development in Relapsed and/or Refractory Multiple Myeloma. Int J Mol Sci. 2020;21(15):5192.
2. Topp et al., 2020. Anti-B-Cell Maturation Antigen BiTE Molecule AMG 420 Induces Responses in Multiple Myeloma. J Clin Oncol. 2020 Mar 10;38(8):775-783.
3. Hosny et al., 2021. Current State of the Art and Prospects of T Cell-Redirecting Bispecific Antibodies in Multiple Myeloma. J Clin Med. Oct 6;10(19):4593.
4. Chetty R. & Gatter K., 1994. CD3: structure, function, and role of immunostaining in clinical practice. J. Pathol. 173(4):303-307.
5. Smith-Garvin J.E. et al., 2009. T Cell Activation. Ann. Rev. Immunol. 27:591-619.3.

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