Establishment and characterization of a human non-secretory plasmacytoid cell line and its hybridization with human B cells.

A human non-secretory plasmacytoid cell line has been established for 6 years in more than 170 passages. Over 300 passages have been made from several early and late passages. The cell line is karyotypically normal, easily grown and has the characteristic features of a non-secretory plasmablast. Its characteristics suggest its use for hybridization by new methods as well as a study of its secretory defect. HPRT-negative phenotypic mutants can be derived from this line and a single polyploid clone has also been isolated. Hybridization with the HPRT+ and HPRT- lines X human B cells is described.