Sensitization of hyperthermic treatment of leukemic cell lines by a synthetic peptide Original Research Article

A compound named HPH–Pep, a peptide constructed from pyridine and histidine units, showed sensitizing effect on the hyperthermic treatment of L-1210, Molt-4, and HL60 cells. The survival rate of these cells was greatly reduced by combined treatment with heating at 44 °C and HPH–pep. The treatment of L-1210 and Molt-4 cells with HPH–Pep resulted in a significant breakdown of the survival rate at 44 °C. The cell death induced by HPH–Pep under hyperthermic condition seemed to involve iron and peroxide.