Molecular analysis of Hodgkin's disease-derived cell lines.

Three Hodgkin's disease-derived cell lines were analysed for the organization of immunoglobulin and T cell receptor genes, for the expression of the interleukin 2 (IL-2) receptor gene, and for the cellular oncogene c-myc. All three cell lines have characteristic genotypic markers of lymphoid cells and can be classified as immature lymphoid cells with respect to the incomplete expression of their antigen receptor genes. This immature genotype is in contrast to the expression of activation antigens Ki-1 (CD 30), IL-2 receptor (CD 25), and HLA-DR. The results obtained are in agreement with studies obtained from primary Hodgkin's lymphomas, which are activated by as yet unknown mechanisms.