CEACAMs protein and Multiple Myeloma Tumorigenesis

Achinthyaa Kaveri, Grade 12, William Lyon Mackenzie Collegiate Institute, Sun Life Gene Medical Science Institute Cancer Research Program student, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Abstract:  Multiple myeloma, a cancer of plasma cells, is found in the bone marrow. Plasma cells, a type of white blood cells, make antibodies which are also known as immunoglobulins and they help the body fight infections. Due to the buildup of multiple myeloma cells, other blood cells’ development and function are hindered. This may cause anemia and fatigueness, due to the reduction of red blood cells. Myeloma proliferation can also upset the balance of the body’s minerals and cause the cells to make substances leading to bone damages; it also presents high calcium levels in the blood.  Myeloma cancer cells produce a huge amount of Monoclonal (M) protein (an antibody) whose accumulation can affect the function of kidneys and other organs, leading to complications of multiple myeloma. CEACAMs, particularly CEACAM1 and CEACAM6, have been implicated in immune evasion mechanisms in myeloma cells by inhibiting CD8 T cell reactivation. While CEACAM proteins are involved in the immune microenvironment and play a role in colorectal, lung, and pancreatic cancer, their involvement in multiple myeloma is an area to discover further. Here we review the role of  CEACAMs protein in multiple myeloma development.

Key Words: CEACAMs, Multiple Myeloma, Phagocytosis, Immune Microenvironment, Tumorigenesis