CD38
OVERVIEW
CD38, a type II transmembrane glycoprotein, is highly expressed on plasma cells and is expressed at low levels on myeloid cells, lymphoid cells, T lymphocytes, NK cells, monocytes, and endothelial cells.1,2
CD38 plays a role in modulation of immune cell activation, NAD+ metabolism, cell-cell adhesion, cell migration, and signaling events including calcium signaling.2
IMPLICATIONS IN CANCER
Plasma cells are the cell of origin for multiple myeloma (MM).3,4 CD38 is expressed at high levels on normal and malignant plasma cells, and at comparatively low levels on other cells. This differential expression makes it a useful therapeutic target for MM. CD38 promotes proliferation and survival in MM cells. Overexpression of CD38 is associated with an immunosuppressive bone marrow microenvironment. CD38 is a well-established target in relapse/refractory MM.
Related Research
- Bisht K, et al. Cancer Med. 2023 Oct;12(20):20332-20352.
- van de Donk NWCJ, et al. Front Immunol. 2018 Sep 20;9:2134.
- Cho SF, et al. Frontiers in immunology. 2018 Aug 10;9:1821.
- Gozzetti A, et al. Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2022 Nov 30;18(5):2052658.
