Establishment and characterization of somatic hybrids between human differentiated macrophages and mouse myeloma NS1 cells.

Human macrophages obtained from circulating monocytes matured in vitro by culture for seven days in hydrophobic flexible teflon bags were successfully fused with murine myeloma NS1 cells. Six of 20 clones, selected for their adherence properties, were further studied. All possessed human chromosomes (mean number ranging from 4 to 14 depending on the clones studied), exhibited non-specific esterases (but no peroxidase activity) and expressed CD14 antigen and C3 receptors (but no MAX-1 antigen). Moreover, the hybridomas retained phagocytic activity and high interferon plus lipopolysaccharide-activable cytolytic activity against tumor cells.