Characterization of clonogenic multiple myeloma cells

摘要: The identity of the cells responsible for initiation and maintenance multiple myeloma (MM) remains unclear largely because difficulty growing MM in vitro vivo. cell lines clinical specimens are characterized by malignant plasma that express surface antigen syndecan-1 (CD138); however, CD138 expression is limited to terminally differentiated during B-cell development. Moreover, circulating B clonally related have been reported some patients with MM. We found human contained small (< 5%) subpopulations lacked had greater clonogenic potential than corresponding CD138+ cells. CD138- from samples were similarly both nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency (NOD/SCID) mice, whereas not. Furthermore, phenotypically resembled postgerminal center cells, their growth was inhibited anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab. These data suggest “stem cells” ability replicate subsequently differentiate into