Isolation and immortalization of lymphocytes.

Recent advances in Genomics and Proteomics have necessitated a constant supply of DNA derived from specific genotypes. Lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) are of great practical value as an unlimited source of stable genomic DNA and viable cells, which can be used to perform a variety of biochemical and molecular studies. LCLs are typically generated by infection of primary lymphocytes with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). In this unit, we describe simple procedures for production of EBV, isolation of lymphocytes, EBV infection of lymphocytes, and isolation of the resulting LCLs.