MiR-15a/16 regulates the growth of myeloma cells, angiogenesis and antitumor immunity by inhibiting Bcl-2, VEGF-A and IL-17 expression in multiple myeloma

•The downregulation of miR-15a/16 was correlated with International Staging System (ISS) stage in MM patients.•miR-15a/16 inhibited myeloma cells proliferation, and increased apoptosis rate of myeloma cells by suppressing Bcl-2.•miR-15a/16 could inhibit angiogenesis by decreasing VEGF-A in MM.•miR-15a/16 could enhance antitumor immunity by decreasing IL-17 levels in MM.•miR-15a/16 may function as a tumor suppressor in MM through multiple regulatory mechanisms.