SLAMF7: A Potential Target for CAR T-Cell Therapy in Multiple Myeloma

Signaling Lymphocyte Activation Molecule Family member 7 (SLAMF7) represents a potential target for CAR T-cell therapy in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM), and it is a promising alternative to classic BCMA-CAR therapy. The receptor is expressed on immune cells, particularly natural killer cells and T cells, that can trigger both activating and inhibitory signals. It is highly expressed in MM cells at all disease stages, playing a crucial role in cell adhesion and communication between immune cells, and being involved in the development and progression of the disease. The target has a proven clinical success with Elotuzumab (anti-SLAMF7 antibody); it works by activating immune cells to kill myeloma cells, and limited expression on normal tissues, with, potentially, few side effects. SLAMF7's combination of specificity, stability, and clinical validation makes it an excellent target for current and future MM therapies. However, 'fratricide death', a phenomenon where the engineered CAR-T cells attack and kill each other, is a critical issue that requires safe engineering solutions. In this work, we will provide an overview on the field with a specific focus on SLAMF7 as an emerging CAR-T cell target in MM.