A primary multiple myeloma cell culture and a co-culture with host Treg cells were established.
The interaction between Treg cell expansion and the anti-tumor effect of bortezomib was revealed.
Treg cells had varied effects on bortezomib, increasing, decreasing, or not changing its anti-tumor effect on multiple myeloma.
Treg cells increased the ex vivo anti-tumor effect of bortezomib in patients who did not develop bortezomib resistance in vivo.
Treg cells decreased the ex vivo anti-tumor effect of bortezomib in patients who developed bortezomib resistance in vivo.