The chemokine CCL3/MIP-1␣ is a risk factor in the outcome of multiple myeloma (MM), particularly in the development of osteolytic bone disease. This chemokine, highly overexpressed by MM cells, can signal mainly through 2 receptors, CCR1 and CCR5, only 1 of which (CCR1) is responsive to CCL3 in human and mouse osteoclast precursors. CCR1 activation leads to the formation of osteolytic lesions and facilitates tumor growth. Here we show that formation of mature osteoclasts is blocked by the highly potent and selective CCR1 antagonist CCX721, an analog of the clinical compound CCX354. We also show that doses of CCX721 selected to completely inhibit CCR1 produce a profound decrease in tumor burden and osteolytic damage in the murine 5TGM1 model of MM bone disease. Similar effects were observed when the antagonist was used prophylactically or therapeutically, with comparable efficacy to that of zoledronic acid. 5TGM1 cells were shown to express minimal levels of CCR1 while secreting high levels of CCL3, suggesting that the therapeutic effects of CCX721 result from CCR1 inhibition on non-MM cells, most likely osteoclasts and osteoclast precursors. These results provide a strong rationale for further development of CCR1 antagonists for the treatment of MM and associated osteolytic bone disease. (Blood. 2012;120(7):1449-1457)
IntroductionEstablishment of multiple myeloma (MM) in the bone marrow niche is highly dependent on bone resorption and proximity to active osteoclasts (OCs). 1,2 OC and MM cells support and nourish each other in vitro and in vivo. 1,3,4 MM-associated osteolytic bone disease (OBD), which affects Ͼ 80% of patients, results from heightened bone catabolism and decreased bone formation and is characterized by severe bone pain and high rates of fractures, greatly impacting their quality and length of life. 5,6 The chemokine CCL3/MIP-1␣ is one of the most important OC-activating factors produced by MM cells and is generally thought to contribute significantly to MM-associated OBD. 7 In cell culture, CCL3 is among the most consistently identified OC-activating factors produced by primary and immortalized MM cells. 8 The extent of CCL3 secretion by MM cells has been correlated with the extent of lytic bone lesions in patients. 9 Serum levels of CCL3 are elevated in newly diagnosed MM patients and correlate with the extent of bone disease, bone resorption, and disease prognosis. 10 High levels of CCL3 in bone marrow also correlate with MM disease stage and activity. [11][12][13] Other chemokines that have been implicated in the pathogenesis of MM include CCL5/RANTES, which, like CCL3, is a potent activator of chemokine CCR1 and CCR5 receptors. 14 We and others have shown that the pathogenic interplay between MM cells and the bone marrow environment is mediated, in part, by a paracrine mechanism whereby CCL3, secreted by MM cells, stimulates OC activity. 15 At the same time, CCL3 also inhibits osteoblast (OB) formation, further contributing to the imbalance between bone resorption and bone formation. 16 On th...