Sub-lethal heat shock induces plasma membrane translocation of 70-kDa heat shock protein in viable, but not in apoptotic, U-937 leukaemia cells.

Heat shock protein 70 kDa, Hsp70, is an important intracellular factor that protects cells from stress. Unusual plasma membrane expression of Hsp70, observed in some cancer cells, contributes to the cell's recognition and elimination by the immune system. Induction of apoptosis in cancer cells was demonstrated to increase Hsp70 translocation to the surface membrane, enhancing immunogenic effects through the stimulation of dendritic cells.