# MHC CLASS II ANTIGENS IN LEUKEMIA CELLULAR DIFFERENTIATI

> **NIH NIH R01** · WEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV · 1987 · $127,726

## Abstract

We have developed monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) that reveal the
heterogeneity of MHC class II antigens expression on normal mononuclear
cells.  Recently, we have found preliminary evidence that leukemic cells
selectively express distinct class II antigens.  Initial molecular
characterization of the class II polygenic complex suggests the possibility
of sequential and/or combinatorial gene expression.  Our hypothesis is that
the heterogeneity of class II antigens expressed on normal cells reflects
the different lineages of cells expressing these antigens.  Furthermore,
the selective expression of class II antigens on leukemic cells is the
phenotypic correlate of independent, noncoordinate gene expression
associated with cellular differentiation.  To test this hypothesis, a
library of murine MoAbs to distinct monomorphic class II epitopes will be
used to probe the heterogeneity of class II antigens on resting and
activated mononuclear cells from normal donors, as well as on acute and
chronic leukemic cells.  We will investigate the capacity of leukemic cells
to present antigen, to stimulate allogeneic T cell proliferation, and to
induce the generation of cytotoxic T cells and thus correlate the
functional potential of the leukemic cell with its expression of class II
molecules.  The relationship of the genes coding for the molecules
identified by our MoAbs to the DR, DC, and SB class II gene products will
be determined by analysis of radiation-induced MHC mutants.  Finally, class
II antigens synthesized by leukemic cells will be used to generate MoAbs
that react with class II antigens on cells at an early stage of
differentiation.  (AG)

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3176537
- **Project number:** 5R01CA038407-04
- **Recipient organization:** WEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV
- **SAM.gov UEI:** YNT8TCJH8FQ8
- **Principal Investigator:** CARLO RUSSO
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1987
- **Award amount:** $127,726
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1984-01-01 → 1988-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3176537

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3176537, MHC CLASS II ANTIGENS IN LEUKEMIA CELLULAR DIFFERENTIATI (5R01CA038407-04). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3176537. Licensed CC0.

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