Characteristics of a cell line (Tong/HCC) established from a human hepatocellular carcinoma

A continuous adherent cell line was established from a hepatocellular carcinoma of an HBsAg-positive Italian male. This cell line, designated Tong/HCC, has been grown in a hormone-supplemented medium for more than 18 months. The cell line secretes HBsAg, alpha-fetoprotein, albumin and alpha 1-antitrypsin. alpha-Fetoprotein production is enhanced by the addition of hydrocortisone and appears to be glucocorticoid concentration-dependent. The concentrates of the supernatant from the cell cultures and cell lysates were negative when tested for HBeAg. The cell culture medium was negative for hepatitis B virus DNA when tested by dot-blot hybridization. However, hepatitis B virus DNA was found to be integrated in the chromosomal DNA by Southern blot analysis. At least five different integration sites were identified, and no free hepatitis B virus DNA was observed. The modal chromosome number was 64, and a translocation on Chromosome 15 was consistently noted. HLA typing revealed sites for A3, Aw24, Bw34 and Cw1.