Expression of adhesion molecules in malignant plasma cells in multiple myeloma: comparison with normal plasma cells and functional significance

Malignant plasma cells in multiple myeloma are predominantly confined to the bone marrow, where they stimulate cytokine production by stromal cells and bone cells leading to osteoclast activation and formation of the characteristic lytic lesions in the skeleton. Adhesion molecules are critically involved in the cellular interactions between myeloma cells and stromal elements and may represent novel therapeutic targets to reduce osteolytic bone disease in multiple myeloma. Here, we review the literature on the adhesion molecule repertoire expressed by malignant plasma cells and discuss the evidence that adhesive interactions between myeloma cells and stromal cells stimulate production of bone-resorbing cytokines.