Characterisation of a cell line from a human lung lymphosarcoma. Abundance of vimentin-type intermediate filaments

A cell line (HCL82) was established from a human lung lymphosarcoma. Cells exhibited a stable phenotype and remained nearly diploid with a modal chromosome number of 45-48, showing no significant aberrations. Cultures consisted of single elongated cells and irregular colonies. Ultrastructurally, mitochondria, golgi complexes, and large bundles of intermediate filaments were well developed; some cells contained virus-like particles. Filaments were composed of vimentin identified by immunofluorescence and gel electrophoresis. Reaction with monoclonal antibody OKT4 suggested a close relationship to T-helper cells. Cells did grow at clonal density but did not form tumors in nude mice.