In vitro cytodestruction of human leukemic cells using murine monoclonal antibodies and human complement.

We have investigated the ability of murine monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) to lyse human leukemic cells in vitro using human serum as a source of complement (C'). The human C'-fixing ability of five of seven MoAb is documented. Studies with two of these MoAb (BA-1 and BA-2) indicated that their human C'-fixing ability and subsequent lysis of leukemic cells was through activation of the classical pathway of C', was independent of donor serum source, and occurred with a number of different target cells. BA-1 and BA-2 could effectively lyse fresh leukemic cells in the presence of 100% human serum, and BA-1 plus human serum could effectively lyse leukemic cells in the presence of a 20-fold excess of normal human bone marrow cells. Our results have potential implications for immunotherapy trials utilizing murine MoAb.