Therapeutic Potential of Innate Lymphoid Cells for Multiple Myeloma Therapy

Simple Summary: Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common haematological malignancy. Despite huge progress associated with the introduction of new antimyeloma drugs, MM remains an incurable disease. In this review, we discuss the role of the innate lymphoid system, its role in the pathogenesis of the disease, and the mechanisms by which innate lymphoid cells (ILC) can theoretically achieve therapeutic benefit in MM treatment. Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are a recently identified family of lymphocyte-like cells lacking a specific antigen receptor. They are part of the innate immune system. They play a key role in tissue homeostasis and also control inflammatory and neoplastic processes. In response to environmental stimuli, ILCs change their phenotype and functions, and influence the activity of other cells in the microenvironment. ILC dysfunction can lead to a wide variety of diseases, including cancer. ILC can be divided into three subgroups: ILC Group 1, comprising NK cells and ILC1; Group 2, including ILC2 alone; and Group 3, containing Lymphoid Tissue inducers (LTi) and ILC3 cells. While Group 1 ILCs mainly exert antitumour activity, Group 2 and Group 3 ILCs are protumorigenic in nature. A growing body of preclinical and clinical data support the role of ILCs in the pathogenesis of multiple myeloma (MM). Therefore, targeting ILCs may be of clinical benefit. In this manuscript, we review the available data on the role of ILCs in MM immunology and therapy.

Automated summary

This review discusses the role of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) in the pathogenesis and therapy of multiple myeloma (MM), highlighting their potential key role in MM pathophysiology and the clinical benefits of targeting ILCs.