Innate immune dysregulation in multiple myeloma: molecular basis and mechanistic interventions

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant clonal disorder originating from bone marrow plasma cells. Although the introduction of proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory agents, monoclonal antibodies, and cellular immunotherapies has markedly prolonged patient survival, relapse and drug resistance remain almost inevitable, rendering MM largely incurable. Previous research has predominantly emphasized clonal evolution and adaptive immune dysfunction, whereas the contribution of innate immunity to MM initiation and progression has been comparatively underappreciated.

Accumulating evidence indicates that innate immune cells play pivotal roles in reshaping the bone marrow microenvironment and establishing immune tolerance in multiple myeloma. This review systematically summarizes the functional alterations of key innate immune populations, including natural killer cells, invariant natural killer T cells, dendritic cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and tumor-associated macrophages. Numerical imbalances, functional exhaustion, and phenotypic polarization of these cells collectively impair immune surveillance, thereby facilitating immune evasion, therapeutic resistance, and extramedullary dissemination. Moreover, emerging therapeutic strategies targeting innate immunity, such as immune checkpoint blockade, metabolic reprogramming, cytokine modulation, and engineered natural killer or invariant natural killer T cell therapies, are gaining increasing attention. In parallel, regulation of innate immune function by gut-derived metabolites has revealed an additional layer of immunomodulatory mechanisms with translational potential.

Innate immunity should be regarded as a central component in the pathogenesis and treatment of MM rather than a secondary contributor. A deeper mechanistic understanding of innate immune dysregulation may not only refine current immunotherapeutic strategies but also inspire novel therapeutic paradigms, ultimately improving long-term disease control in MM.