B-Lymphoblastoid cell lines (B-LCL)

B-Lymphoblastoid cell lines (B-LCL), which are derived from lymphoblastoid native B lymphocytes, are established by infection with EBV (Epstein-Barr virus) and, after some cell passages, represent transformed B cell lines which can be maintained in continuous in vitro culture. As a rule, they are derived from peripheral blood and closely resemble native activated B lymphocytes as can be confirmed by their pattern of surface-expressed CD antigens.

B-LCL are, as intact cells or as DNA derived thereof, an almost unlimited source for molecular genetical, immunological and functional studies. B-LCL established from patients’ cellular material are convenient tools in tumor research and in studies of other, e.g., autoimmune diseases. A comparatively new field for the application of B-LCL is research on so-called rare diseases, because here the limited source of native cellular/genetic material can be overcome by applying these cell lines.