Acquired resistance to chloroquine in human CEM T cells is mediated by multidrug resistance–associated protein 1 and provokes high levels of cross‐resistance to glucocorticoids

Abstract

Induction of overexpression of the multidrug resistance efflux transporter MRP-1 can emerge after long-term exposure to CQ and results in CQ resistance and collateral resistance to dexamethasone. These findings warrant further detailed investigations into the possible role of MRP-1 and other members of the superfamily of drug efflux pumps in diminishing the efficacy of DMARDs in rheumatoid arthritis treatment.