Ablation of CD38 in multiple myeloma cells leads to an aggressive phenotype in a mouse xenograft model.

ABSTRACT:

Abstract

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell malignancy characterized by bone pain and end-organ failure. A major challenge in treating MM is therapeutic resistance. CD38-targeted immunotherapies, such as daratumumab, have significantly improved outcomes; however, variable responses, resistance, and relapse remain vital challenges. We hypothesized that loss of CD38 drives a more aggressive phenotype and resistance to therapy. To test this, we developed a CD38 knockout (KO) clone of a human MM cell line and evaluated it in immunodeficient mice. Mice with CD38 KO tumors exhibited an increased tumor burden and reduced survival compared with those with CD38 wild-type (WT) tumors. Multimodal imaging and histologic analyses revealed increased osteolytic lesions caused by CD38 KO tumor

SUBMITTER: Dyer MR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12828765 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature