Targeting Collagen-LAIR1 for Improving Multiple Myeloma Therapeutic Efficacy

Description

The project aims to uncover how the bone marrow microenvironment allows tumor cells to survive treatment and cause relapse in multiple myeloma. Dormancy refers to a state in which residual tumor cells persist without net growth. The dormant cells evade both cytotoxic drugs and immune surveillance, later reactivating to drive relapse. A critical barrier to cure is the lack of clinically validated strategies to target tumor dormancy. We focus on an unexplored pathway in which the bone-derived collagen activates the inhibitory receptor LAIR1, driving tumor cells into a dormant, drug-resistance state while suppressing antitumor immunity. By targeting this mechanism, we seek to develop new strategies to eliminate residual disease and prevent relapse. This work provides a novel framework linking bone niche, tumor dormancy, and immune regulation, with strong potential for future therapeutic development.