The Paracaspase MALT1 in Cancer

Almost twenty years ago, the importance of the paracaspase MALT1 in antigen receptor-induced NF-kappa B activation was first described. Since then, several other immune receptors, G-protein-coupled receptors, and receptor tyrosine kinases were identified as relying on MALT1 to induce NF-kappa B activation. In various hematological malignancies and solid tumors, MALT1 is constitutively activated and drives chronic NF-kappa B target gene expression. Deregulated MALT1 activity in cancer thus promotes tumor cell survival, proliferation, and metastasis. Since the molecular function of MALT1 partially requires its protease activity, pharmacological targeting of MALT1 may represent a promising anti-cancer strategy. Here, we review the molecular features of MALT1 activation and function as well as the therapeutic potential of MALT1 inhibition in hematological malignancies and solid tumors.