Multiple myeloma (MM) is a B-lineage malignancy with unknown aetiology. It
has been considered that predisposing genetic factors might be implicated i
n the disease. In this study, the microsatellite polymorphism in the exon 3
of the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) gene was analysed in pati
ents with MM and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS),
together with ethnically matched healthy controls. The results showed that
frequencies of the genotype 86/86 and of the allele 86 were significantly
decreased in MM and MGUS compared with matched healthy controls, indicating
that the CTLA-4 microsatellite polymorphism might represent a susceptibili
ty locus for MM and MGUS.