B and T Lymphoid Cell Lines

Abstract

To the Editor: The dialogue (N Engl J Med 287:989–990, 1972) between Rubin's group and that of Aisenberg and Block concerning the origin of nongranulocytic leukemia from T or B cells has both theoretical and practical importance. Our experience in establishing over 800 human lymphoid cell lines may provide additional insight.¹ To our knowledge all normal human lymphoid cell lines have B-cell characteristics such as the membrane receptor for complement and the ability to synthesize immunoglobulins. The cells are stimulated by Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), and the established cells contain the virus or its genome. These cells are large and blastoid . . .