From the Guidelines
Yes, interleukin-1 (IL-1) is activated in multiple myeloma. IL-1 plays a crucial role in the disease's pathogenesis by promoting plasma cell growth, survival, and drug resistance, as well as contributing to bone disease by enhancing osteoclast activity and inhibiting osteoblast function, leading to characteristic bone lesions 1. The activation of IL-1 in multiple myeloma is associated with the production of other cytokines, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF), which are also involved in the disease's pathogenesis. Some key points to consider include:
- IL-1 is produced by myeloma cells and stromal cells in the bone marrow, leading to increased osteoclast activity and bone resorption 1
- The IL-1 pathway promotes angiogenesis in the bone marrow microenvironment, supporting tumor growth and survival
- IL-1 inhibition has been explored as a potential therapeutic approach, with clinical trials investigating IL-1 receptor antagonists like anakinra in multiple myeloma patients 1 The evidence suggests that IL-1 activation is a key component of multiple myeloma pathophysiology, and targeting this pathway may offer a promising therapeutic strategy for managing the disease and improving patient outcomes.
From the Research
IL-1 Activation in Multiple Myeloma
- IL-1 is activated in multiple myeloma, as evidenced by the expression of IL-1β in myeloid and megakaryocytic cells in the bone marrow of patients with multiple myeloma 2.
- The activation of IL-1β is not constitutive, but rather induced by interactions with inflammatory stromal cells, which can lead to the production of IL-6, a key factor in the survival and proliferation of myeloma cells 2.
- In addition, IL-1β has been shown to be transcribed at increased levels in mature neutrophils in myeloma marrow, which can contribute to the tumor-supportive microenvironment 3.
- The role of IL-1 in multiple myeloma is further supported by studies demonstrating that IL-1 receptor antagonists can block IL-6 production and inhibit the growth of myeloma cells 2.
Key Findings
- IL-1β is expressed in myeloid and megakaryocytic cells in the bone marrow of patients with multiple myeloma 2.
- IL-1β induces the production of IL-6 in bone marrow stromal cells, which promotes the proliferation and progression of myeloma cells 2, 4.
- The activation of IL-1β is induced by interactions with inflammatory stromal cells, which can lead to the production of IL-6 and the creation of a tumor-supportive microenvironment 3, 2.
Relevance to Multiple Myeloma
- The activation of IL-1 in multiple myeloma contributes to the creation of a tumor-supportive microenvironment, which can promote the growth and survival of myeloma cells 3, 2, 4.
- Targeting IL-1 or its downstream effectors, such as IL-6, may be a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of multiple myeloma 2.