Laboratory investigation; a journal of technical methods and pathology
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Nucleated cells are protected from complement-mediated injury by the expression of membrane-bound regulators of complement activation (mRCA) CD46, CD55, and CD59. Increased expression of these mRCA may be a mechanism by which tumor cells protect themselves from complement-mediated injury and prevent an inflammatory response. In the present study, we have investigated whether human renal tumor cell lines and cultured proximal tubular epithelial cells express CD46, CD55, and CD59 and whether these mRCA influence complement-mediated lysis of these cells. ⋯ We conclude from this work that renal tumor cells and proximal tubular epithelial cells express CD46, CD55, and CD59. Of these mRCA, CD59 is most efficient in preventing complement-mediated lysis of these cells. Expression of mRCA on tumor cells may influence the effectiveness of immunotherapy with tumor-associated mAb.