Continuous hematopoietic cell lines as model systems for leukemia-lymphoma research.

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Oncology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Continuous human leukemia-lymphoma (LL) cell lines, established since 1963, have significantly advanced the understanding of hematopoietic tumor pathophysiology.
• Over 1000 LL cell lines exist, offering advantages like unlimited supply, worldwide availability, and long-term storage.
• LL cell lines are generally characterized by monoclonal origin, differentiation arrest, sustained in vitro proliferation, and specific genetic alterations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the establishment, characteristics, and utility of continuous human leukemia-lymphoma (LL) cell lines in cancer research.
• To highlight the advantages and challenges associated with using LL cell lines, including contamination and genetic stability.
• To propose a list of robust, publicly available reference cell lines for experimental use.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and analysis of existing data on LL cell line establishment and characterization.
• Discussion of classification systems based on immunophenotype, genotype, and functional features.
• Evaluation of parameters for distinguishing malignant cell lines from immortalized normal cells, including viral status (e.g., EBV).

Main Results:

• LL cell lines provide a consistent and accessible resource for studying hematopoietic malignancies.
• Challenges include low establishment efficiency, potential contamination (mycoplasma ~30%, cross-contamination ~15-20%), and the need for rigorous authentication.
• Evidence suggests LL cell lines exhibit stable genetic alterations rather than instability, supporting their use in cytogenetic and molecular studies.

Conclusions:

• Continuous LL cell lines are indispensable tools in hematologic oncology research, offering profound insights into disease biology.
• Addressing issues of contamination and ensuring cell line authenticity are crucial for reliable research outcomes.
• Publicly available, authenticated LL cell lines are essential for the scientific community, facilitating reproducible and advanced investigations.