Characterization of a new malignant human T-cell line (PFI-285) sensitive to ascorbic acid

A new malignant human T-cell line-labelled PFI-285-has been isolated from a boy with malignant lymphoma. Morphologically, the cells had characteristics of malignant lymphoid cells. The cells presented surface antigens as early cortical lymphocytes and proliferated non-adherently as single cells, independent of T-cell growth factor (IL-2), in liquid culture. The cells had undetectable levels of receptors for IL-2, were not clonogenic in soft agar, but did form tumors in nude mice. Their establishment and continuous growth in vitro was dependent on the number of cells inoculated and on the growth medium used. Cytogenetic alteration, HTLV-1 or reverse transcriptase activity were not detected. The production of known T-cell derived lymphokines such as IL-2, B-cell growth factor(s), alpha-interferon or granulocyte/macrophage colony stimulating or inhibiting factor(s) was not detected. The cells had 5-8% natural killer (NK)-cell activity against NK-cell sensitive target cells (K562) and were not sensitive for NK cells. A most unusual characteristic was the pronounced sensitivity of the cells to ascorbic acid. Concentrations down to 50 mumol/l killed the cells within hours.