HLA class I NK-epitopes and KIR diversities in patients with multiple myeloma.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematological malignancy caused by the clonal expansion of malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow. Myeloma cells are susceptible to killing by natural killer (NK) cells, but NK cells fail to control disease progression, suggesting immunosuppression. The activation threshold of NK-effector function is regulated by interaction between KIRs and self-HLA class I, during a process called "education" to ensure self-tolerance.

A comprehensive overview of FCGR3A gene variability by full-length gene sequencing including the identification of V158F polymorphism.

The FCGR3A gene encodes for the receptor important for antibody-dependent natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity. FCGR3A gene polymorphisms could affect the success of monoclonal antibody therapy. Although polymorphisms, such as the FcγRIIIA-V158F and -48L/R/H, have been studied extensively, an overview of other polymorphisms within this gene is lacking.