Figure 1
From: Plasma cell disorders in HIV-infected patients: epidemiology and molecular mechanisms
A 3-step working hypothesis for the development of multiple myeloma. HIV infection contributes to the development of MM likely through several different mechanisms: 1) HIV infection increases the risk for somatic hypermutation; 2) HIV infection activates cell survival pathways; 3) HIV infection alters bone marrow niche microenvironement; and 4) HIV infection causes persistent antigen stimulation.