Class I MHC Molecules and Doxorubicin Resistant P388 Murine Leukemic Cells

Abstract

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) encodes cell surface and secreted products involved in immune regulation and function. We have measured Class I MHC expression on doxorubicin (DOX) sensitive (P388/S) and resistant (P388/R84 and R84A) murine tumor cells using a monoclonal antibody to H-2d molecules. The present report shows a correlation between increased Class I MHC (H-2d) expression and drug resistance in P388 cells. Exposure of P388 cells to H-2d antibody diminished H-2^d expression, whereas, treatment with murine recombinant γ-interferon increased H-2^d expression. Neither treatment significantly altered cellular DOX resistance or chemosensitivity. Thus, H-2^d molecules can be used to identify DOX resistant P388 tumor cells but are probably not involved functionally in drug resistance.