Characterization of Hodgkin's disease derived cell line HDLM-2

The cell line HDLM-2 was established from the pleural effusion of a patient with Hodgkin's disease. Here, we describe the morphological, cytochemical, enzymological, immunological, molecular biological, and functional characteristics of the cell line. The results of this multiparameter profile show that HDLM-2 is different from other well-studied leukemia-lymphoma cell lines including other Hodgkin's disease derived cell lines. HDLM-2 cultures contain mainly mono- or binucleated cells, but also prominent giant cells with two to ten nuclei. HDLM-2 cells do not express an immunophenotype characteristic of a given cell lineage. However, the cells are positive for Ki-1, HeFi-1, Leu-M1, Tac, and HLA class II markers. Cytochemical, enzymological, and functional data are equally inconclusive, but are definitely not compatible with a monocyte/macrophage profile. Analysis of the gene status documents that T-cell receptor beta- and gamma-chain genes are rearranged while immunoglobulin heavy chain genes are in germline configuration. The combined results indicate a T-cell origin of HDLM-2 cells. The evidence available from this and other established Hodgkin's disease derived cell lines suggests a lymphoid origin of Hodgkin and Reed-Sternberg cells.