EBV-transformation of surface IgA-positive human lymphocytes

Surface IgA-positive human lymphocytes were selected, separated, and immortalized with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Selection was carried out by rosetting the cells with ox erythrocytes, coated with rabbit anti-human IgA immunoglobulin, followed by separation on Ficoll-Isopaque. Stable monoclonal lines were established by cloning in agarose. This shows that EBV-transformation is not restricted to the IgM-positive B cell category but can be extended to minority classes of B lymphocytes. The method provides the means to establish other minority categories as continuous lines, depending on the efficiency of the preselection procedure.