A human plasma cell line: induction and characterization

Malignant hematopoietic cell lines: in vitro models for the study of multiple myeloma and plasma cell leukemia

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a neoplasm of a terminally differentiated B-cell. The disease is progressive and always lethal characterized by the slow proliferation of malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow. Much of our current understanding of the biology of MM has been obtained by studying MM-derived cell lines. Human myeloma cell lines were shown to be suitable model systems for use in various fields of the biological sciences. However, it has proved very difficult to establish cell lines from plasma cell dyscrasias. Most reported MM cell lines have been derived from patients with advanced disease and from extramedullary sites. Nevertheless, within the last 20 years more than 100 cell lines have been established. A significant portion of this panel is partially or well characterized with regard to their cell culture, clinical, immunophenotypic, cytogenetic and functional features. Distinct immunoprofiles could be assigned to MM cell lines. All MM cell lines display chromosomal aberrations; in more than 80% of the cell lines analyzed, chromosome 14 band q32 (immunoglobulin heavy chain locus) is affected; the various types of 14q+ chromosomes showed different distributions among the MM cell lines. A large percentage of MM cell lines is constitutively interleukin-6-dependent or responsive to various cytokines. It is important to realize that not every cell line established from a patient with myeloma is a neoplastic cell line. So-called 'myeloma cell lines' have been previously reported and are still widely used which are in reality Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive B-lymphoblastoid cell lines. The presence of the EBV-genome in residual normal B-cells provides them with a selective growth advantage after explantation. In summary, a significant number of authentic and well-characterized MM cell lines has been established and described. The availability of these bona fide MM cell lines is of great importance for the study of the biology, etiology and treatment of the disease.

A phage antibody identifying an 80-kDa membrane glycoprotein exclusively expressed on a subpopulation of activated B cells and hairy cell leukemia B cells

We have isolated a phage display library-derived monoclonal antibody, phab V-3, that identifies a membrane glycoprotein of approximately 80 kDa which is expressed on a subpopulation of activated B lymphocytes in secondary lymphoid organs. In agreement with their activated phenotype, phab V-3(+) B cells display a blast-like morphology, and are prone to spontaneous apoptosis in vitro, unless rescued by stimulation with CD40 ligand (CD40L). The expression of the phab V-3 molecule coincides with B cells that produce high levels of IgM, IgG and IgA in vitro upon stimulation with CD40L in combination with IL-2 and IL-10. Immunofluorescent analysis of B cell malignancies unveiled that the phab V-3 molecule was uniquely expressed on hairy cell leukemia (HCL) B cells. Similar to phab V-3(+) tonsils B cells, HCL B cells have been reported to express CD11c, CD95 and CD27, which might indicate that the phab V-3(+) B cells in HCL are the malignant counterpart of the phab V-3(+) B cell subpopulation.

Leukocyte-associated immunoglobulin-like receptor-1 (LAIR-1) is differentially expressed during human B cell differentiation and inhibits B cell receptor-mediated signaling

Leukocyte-associated Ig-like receptor-1 (LAIR-1) belongs to the growing family of immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif-bearing receptors and is expressed on the majority of peripheral mononuclear cells, including NK cells, T cells, B cells, monocytes, and dendritic cells. In this study, we investigated the distribution and the capacity of LAIR-1 to function as an inhibitory receptor on human B cells. LAIR-1 is expressed from early on during B cell differentiation, but is absent on approximately half of the memory B cells, and all germinal center B cells, plasmablasts, and terminally differentiated plasma cells. In vitro stimulation of naive B cells via the B cell receptor (BCR) or CD40, triggering proliferation and differentiation into Ig-producing plasma cells, is accompanied by loss of LAIR-1 expression. We previously reported that LAIR-1 can function as an inhibitory receptor on NK cells and T cells. Here, we demonstrate that it can also function as a negative regulator of BCR-mediated signaling, since simultaneous cross-linking of LAIR-1 and the BCR reduces the increase of intracellular Ca(2+) evoked by BCR ligation. Taken together, this suggests that the inhibitory mechanism of LAIR-1 is functional in multiple components of the hematopoietic system.

Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis shows the frequent occurrence of 14q32.3 rearrangements with involvement of immunoglobulin switch regions in myeloma cell lines

In many B-cell malignancies, 14q32.3 chromosomal rearrangements involving the immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) locus have been shown to be pathognomonic for the disease. Although in myeloma heterogeneous and complex karyotypes are found, 14q32.3 translocations are prominent. However, owing to the telomeric position of the IgH locus, 14q32.3 translocations may be easily missed. We established fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assays on chromosomes and DNA fibers to determine both the occurrence of 14q32.3 rearrangements in myeloma cell lines and the precise localization of the breakpoints in the IgH locus. Our results show that 14q32.3 chromosomal rearrangements are present in almost every myeloma cell line analyzed (17 of 19, 89%). Breakpoint analysis of the lines harboring one or more 14q32.3 rearrangements with the use of fiber-FISH revealed the involvement of switch regions in the IgH locus in 11 of 17 cell lines. Remarkably, pseudogamma genes without switch regions were involved in 3 of 17 cell lines, all derived from IgA myelomas. Three of 17 cell lines contained breakpoints outside a switch or immunoglobulin heavy chain constant region. The almost ubiquitous presence of 14q32.3 rearrangements suggests an obligatory role in the development of myeloma. The high incidence of breakpoints involving switch regions indicates an oncogenic event in a late stage of B-cell differentiation.

Differential interleukin-6 (IL-6) responses of three established myeloma cell lines in the presence of soluble human IL-6 receptors

We investigated the possible influence of recombinant (r) sIL-6R on the growth of three IL-6 non-responsive or weakly IL-6 responsive long-term myeloma cell lines. The three cell lines chosen for the study (U266, L363 and Fravel) all expressed gp130 but differed in their expression of IL-6R and IL-6. mRNA analysis by northern blot and reverse transcriptase polymerase reaction showed that the cell line U266 was the only one that expressed IL-6 mRNA. Only U266 and L363 expressed IL-6R mRNA. 125I-rIL-6 binding studies and FACS analysis, using biotinylated IL-6 and antibodies directed against the IL-6R and gp130, showed corresponding results on the protein level. Addition of rsIL-6R resulted in induction of IL-6 responsiveness in L363 cells, whereas the 3H-thymidine incorporation of the cell lines U266 and Fravel was unaffected by rsIL-6R addition. In conclusion, the IL-6 unresponsive growth of several long-term myeloma cell lines in vitro can in some, but not all cases, be due to a deficiency in exogenous sIL-6R.

In vitro culture of primary plasmacytomas requires stromal cell feeder layers

Attempts to grow primary murine plasmacytomas in vitro have, to date, been largely unsuccessful. In this study, we demonstrate that long-term in vitro growth of primary plasmacytomas is accomplished by using feeder layers composed of stromal cells from the initial site of plasmacytomagenesis. The early neoplastic lines established in this manner are dependent on physical contact with the stromal layer, which is mediated in part by CD44, for growth and survival. The stromal cells provide at least two stimuli for the plasma cells, one being interleukin 6 and the second, of unknown nature, resulting from direct physical interaction that cannot be replaced by soluble factors. These plasma cell lines have been passaged for as long as 20 months yet still maintain characteristics associated with primary plasmacytomas as they will grow in vivo only in pristane-primed animals, indicating a continued dependence on the pristane-induced microenvironment characteristic of early-stage tumors. The ability to grow primary plasmacytomas in culture and maintain their "primary" properties provides a model system for detailed analysis of early events in plasma cell tumor progression involving neoplastic cells completely dependent on physical contact with a stromal feeder layer for survival and expansion.

The establishment of an interleukin-6-dependent myeloma cell line (FLAM-76) carrying t(11;14)(q13;q32) chromosome abnormality from an aggressive nonsecretory plasma cell leukemia

A new myeloma cell line designated FLAM-76 was established from a patient with an aggressive nonsecretory plasma cell leukemia. The cell line exhibited morphologic features of flaming cells and contained an abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm with many dilated cisternae of rough endoplasmic reticulum. FLAM-76 cells were positive for cytoplasmic kappa (kapp)-type immunoglobulin but did not secrete it into the culture medium. The cells proliferated in the presence of exogenous interleukin-6 (IL-6) and more than 800 pg/ml of IL-6 was necessary for their continuous growth. The cells did not grow without IL-6, and they did not produce IL-6. Thus, the growth of FLAM-76 appeared to be regulated by the paracrine mechanism of IL-6. Alpha-interferon (alpha-IFN) inhibited the IL-6-dependent growth of FLAM-76 in doses greater than 1000 U/ml. FLAM-76 cells expressed CD38 (OKT10) and cell adhesion-associated antigens such as CD44 and CD54 (ICAM-1). Chromosome analysis revealed FLAM-76 to have a hypodiploid chromosome constitution with t(11;14)(q13;q32) abnormality, which frequently is seen in neoplasms of B-cell origin. Immunoglobulin (JH and Ck) gene rearrangement (but no BCL-1 gene rearrangement) was found in this cell line.

Expression of myc-family genes in established human multiple myeloma cell lines: L-myc but not c-myc gene expression in the U-266 myeloma cell line

Deregulated c-myc expression, as a consequence of translocation of the c-myc gene to one of the immunoglobulin loci, appears to play an important role in the pathogenesis of several B-cell tumors, including Burkitt's lymphoma, mouse plasmacytoma and rat immunocytoma. This study investigated the expression of c-myc and 2 other members of the myc gene family, L- and N-myc, at the mRNA and protein level, and analyzed for possible rearrangements of these genes in the human counterpart to the mouse plasmacytoma--multiple myeloma (MM). Nine well-characterized MM cell lines were examined by using Northern- and Southern-blot analysis and immunoprecipitation. The c-myc gene was found to be highly expressed in most MM cell lines. The level of expression was comparable to that observed in the COLO 320 and HL-60 cell lines, carrying amplified c-myc genes, and to that of B-cell lines with a higher proliferative activity than the MM cell lines. In the U-266 MM cell line, L-myc, but no c-myc mRNA or protein, was found. The L-myc gene was expressed in both early- and late-passage U-266 cells, suggesting that the L-myc expression was not the result of the in vitro cultivation. N-myc was not expressed in any of the MM cell lines. No rearrangements of c-myc or L-myc genes were found. We thus conclude that (a) in contrast to the corresponding mouse and rat B-cell tumors, c-myc is not frequently rearranged in MM; (b) c-myc is highly expressed in most MM lines; and (c) L-myc but not c-myc is expressed in the U-266 MM cell line.

Expression of cytoadhesion molecules (CD56, CD54, CD18 and CD29) by myeloma plasma cells

Recently we reported the expression of the human natural killer cell associated antigen CD56 (Leu 19/NKH1) in plasma cells of a majority of multiple myeloma (MM) patients. CD56 is known to be an isoform of the human neural adhesion molecule N-CAM which is involved in homotypic adhesive interactions. By immunophenotyping using four CD56 specific monoclonal antibodies and immunoprecipitation analysis we here confirm that the Leu 19 antigen expressed by myeloma plasma cells is identical to N-CAM and corresponds to the 145 kDa isoform. Because of the possible biological role of adhesion molecules on myeloma cells, we compared the expression of N-CAM with the intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and the beta 1 and beta 2 integrins. By immunogold-silver staining of cytospin preparations of mononuclear cell suspensions, bone marrow plasma cells of 17 MM patients were analysed. Plasma cells expressed N-CAM (CD56) in 14 patients. ICAM-1 (CD54) in 16 patients, and beta 2 integrins (CD18) in eight patients. beta 1 integrins (CD29) were expressed in all patients. The expression of beta 2 integrins was always very weak while N-CAM, ICAM-1 and the beta 1 integrins showed a moderate to strong positivity. The plasma cells of five haematological normal individuals lacked significant N-CAM expression but were positive for ICAM-1 and both integrin subgroups. One plasma cell leukaemia patient and two out of four end-stage MM patients showed no expression of N-CAM or beta 2 integrins on their circulating plasma cells. Among 11 previously established myeloma cell lines, surface expression of ICAM-1 and the integrins was detected in most cases, while N-CAM was present in only four lines. Most cell lines showed coexpression of the fibronectin receptors (VLA-4 and VLA-5) and the laminin receptor (VLA-6). The collagen receptor (VLA-2) was not expressed. The N-CAM negative cell lines included four cell lines that were derived from plasma cell leukaemia patients. These results indicate that the expression of adhesion molecules is an intrinsic part of the biology of multiple myeloma.

Characterization of a human plasmacytoma line

The TH line was established by bringing tumour cells from a multiple myeloma patient into suspension culture and subsequently cloning them by limiting dilution. The cultured cells show marked heterogeneity; there are ultrastructural differences between small and large TH cells, particularly with respect to the rough endoplasmatic reticulum (RER). Karyotyping revealed chromosome numbers in the triploid range, with many structural abnormalities, at the 14q32 region among others. A t(14;18) could not be demonstrated. TH was shown to have germline and a rearranged allele for kappa light chain, and only a single rearranged gene for heavy chain immunoglobulin. TH expressed PCA-1, CD9, CD28 and CD38 antigens, HLA class II, RER and kappa light chain, but few or no other antigens associated with the B-cell lineage. Light chain kappa and trace amounts of IgG3 were found intracellularly as well as in culture supernatant. The addition of IL-6 to cultures of TH increased proliferation, as well as the secretion of kappa light chain and the membrane expression of CD28 and CD38 antigens. Because TH has relatively few B cell markers on its membrane, it may be useful for the induction of monoclonal antibodies specific for human plasma cells. It also provides a model for the demonstration that IL-6 can act as a paracrine growth and differentiation factor for cells of myelomal origin.

Surface antigen expression of human neoplastic plasma cells includes molecules associated with lymphocyte recirculation and adhesion

The surface phenotype of neoplastic plasma cells from peripheral blood of plasma cell leukaemia patients and bone marrow of patients with myelomatosis was investigated with two monoclonal antibody panels including 50 selected from the B cell panel of the IVth International Workshop on Leucocyte Differentiation Antigens. The majority of myelomas expressed CD24 (HB8 epitope only), CD38, CD44, CD54, and the antigen recognized by the monoclonal antibody 8A. A range of other antigens may also be expressed including CD10, CD32 (FcR II), CD19, CD20 and MHC Class II. Antigens expressed by myeloma plasma cells can be considered in three groups: (a) antigens associated with lymphocyte and plasma cell differentiation: (b) antigens which are not lineage specific: and (c) molecules concerned with lymphocyte recirculation and intercellular adhesion (CD44 and CD54). The significance of CD44 and CD54 expression by plasma cells and the potential interaction of plasma cells with T lymphocytes and monocytes is discussed.

A new human plasma cell line, Karpas 620, with translocations involving chromosomes 1, 11 and 14

We report here the establishment of a new cell line, Karpas 620 (K620), from the peripheral blood of an elderly woman with an IgG-kappa plasma cell leukaemia (PCL). The line has the same hypotetraploid karyotype as the fresh cells from the patient. The cultured cells have the ultrastructural appearance of plasma cells with abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) and secrete kappa light chain. They are positive for surface antigens HLA DR, and WR17 (CD 37) and negative for CD1, CD3, CD4 and CD8. Using high resolution (HR) cytogenetic analysis it has been possible to identify all the marker chromosomes including several rearrangements commonly seen in malignancies of B cell lineage. These are a 14q+ marker with a typical 'Burkitt' morphology der(14)(pter----q32.3::8q24.1----qter) but with no reciprocal 8q-, and three translocations involving chromosome 11 at q13 with partners other than chromosome 14, namely 1q32.1, 8q24.22 and 13q14.3. An earlier report of molecular studies on the DNA of K620 has shown a rearrangement near the region on 11q13 designated BCL-1 (Rabbitts et al. 1988). This is the first report of a rearrangement in the region of 11q13 in a cell line originating from a case of plasma cell leukaemia.

Lineage-restricted expression of homeobox-containing genes in human hematopoietic cell lines

We investigated the role of homeobox-containing genes in human hematopoiesis because homeobox genes (i) control cell fate in the Drosophila embryo, (ii) are expressed in specific patterns in human embryos, and (iii) appear to function as transcription factors that control cell phenotype in other mammalian organs. Using four homeobox probes from the HOX2 locus and a previously undescribed homeobox cDNA (PL1), we screened mRNAs from 18 human leukemic cell lines representing erythroid, myeloid, and T- and B-cell lineages. Complex patterns of lineage-restricted expression are observed: some are restricted to a single lineage, while others are expressed in multiple lineages. No single homeobox gene is expressed in all types of hematopoietic cells, but each cell type exhibits homeobox gene expression. HOX2.2 and -2.3 homeobox-containing cDNAs were cloned from an erythroleukemia cell (HEL) cDNA library, while the homeobox cDNA PL1 was isolated from a monocytic cell (U-937) library. Differentiation of HEL and K-562 cells with various inducers results in modulation of specific homeobox transcripts. In addition, HOX2.2 is expressed in normal bone marrow cells. We have demonstrated (i) lineage-restricted expression of five homeobox genes in erythroid and monocytic cell lines; (ii) expression of additional homeobox genes in other cell lineages (HL-60 and lymphoid cells); (iii) expression of one homeobox gene in normal marrow cells; and (iv) modulation of expression during differentiation. These data suggest that these genes play a role in human hematopoietic development and lineage commitment.

Establishment of five human myeloma cell lines

Five human myeloma cell lines, KMM-1, KMS-5, KMS-11, KMS-12-PE, and KMS-12-BM, have been established at Kawasaki Medical School since 1980. As the KMS-12-PE and KMS-12-BM lines were obtained from the same patient, these five cell lines have been derived from four patients with multiple myeloma. The five myeloma cell lines are stably growing at present in RPMI 1640 medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum. They can also grow in a defined culture medium without serum. That these cell lines were human myeloma cells was confirmed by the following findings. Ultrastructurally, all five cell lines showed features characteristic of plasma cells. KMM-1 and KMS-11 cells secreted lambda and kappa chains into the culture medium, respectively, but the other cell lines produced no immunoglobulins. KMM-1 expressed cytoplasmic lambda antigen, KMS-5 showed cytoplasmic delta, and KMS-11 expressed surface kappa, whereas KMS-12-PE and KMS-12-BM cells showed no surface or cytoplasmic immunoglobulins. Regarding reaction with a monoclonal plasma cell antibody (PCA-1), four of the five lines were positive, the exception being KMS-5. Another monoclonal antibody (CD38), which also recognizes plasma cells, responded to KMM-1, KMS-12-PE, and KSM-12-BM. KMS-5 cells expressed acute lymphoblastic leukemia antigens (CALLA). These data suggest that such lines as KMM-1, KMS-11, KMS-12-PE, and KMS-12-BM represent later stages of B-cell differentiation, and that KMS-5 represents a relatively early stage of B-cell differentiation. All the cell lines lacked Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen, showed abnormal karyotypes of human origin, and differed from each other in the isozyme patterns examined. Only KMS-5 was tumorigenic when transplanted subcutaneously into nude mice.

Limiting dilution cloning of B cells from patients with multiple myeloma: emergence of non-malignant B-cell lines

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a B-cell malignancy characterized by the accumulation of slowly proliferating malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow (BM). Several reports have shown the existence of an abnormal B-cell compartment including proliferative idiotypic B cells (i.e., B cells bearing the same idiotypic determinants as the myeloma protein) in the BM and peripheral blood (PB) of patients with MM. In order to study whether this abnormal compartment can be grown in vitro, we cultured the PB and BM of 23 patients with MM using limiting dilution methods. Our purpose was to restrict the effect of suppressor cells and the possible overgrowth of the cultures by the more rapidly growing B cells, which occurs in bulk cultures. Spontaneously growing cells were obtained only from patients seropositive for the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and all the cultures were composed of B cells carrying the EBV genome. Thus, positive cultures were generated only in the presence of B cells latently infected with EBV in vivo. The mean frequency of these B cells (1 in 25,000 B cells) was as low in MM patients as in healthy donors. This low frequency indicated that malignant cells do not bear the EBV genome in vivo and that the in vivo regulation of the EBV infection is unaffected in patients with MM. No Ig-gene rearrangements, specific of the autologous myeloma cells, were found in the cell lines obtained from BM or PB. Thus, the putative malignant B cells or myeloma cells were not able to generate cell lines in vitro, either spontaneously or after endogenous infection with EBV.

Characterization of difluoromethylornithine-resistant mouse and human tumour cell lines

Four mouse and two human tumour cell lines resistant to alpha-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO), an irreversible inhibitor of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), were analysed for the activities of polyamine-biosynthetic and -biodegradative enzymes as well as for cellular polyamine contents. In all but one of these cell lines the resistance to DFMO was based on an overproduction of ODC. In a human myeloma cell line the resistance was based on a greatly enhanced arginase activity. Except for one L1210 variant cell line, all the resistant cell lines contained elevated S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase activity. Similarly, all the resistant mouse, but not human, cell lines displayed enhanced spermidine and spermine synthase activities. Arginase activity was detected only in human cell lines. In both DFMO-resistant cell lines the activity of arginase was strikingly elevated. Of the biodegradative enzymes, polyamine oxidase activity was readily detectable in all mouse cells, but no measurable activity was found in the human cells. Spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase activity was elevated in three out of four resistant mouse cell lines. Even though the concentration of spermidine was usually lower in the overproducer cells, this was compensated by an increased content of spermine. The two resistant human myeloma cells contained intracellular ornithine concentrations that were from more than 5 to more than 20 times higher than those in the parental cells.

Spontaneous secretion of tumor necrosis factor-beta by human myeloma cell lines

Abnormal bone remodelling in the vicinity of tumor cells is a common, early feature of multiple myeloma, characterized by excessive bone resorption which is mediated by local soluble factors called osteoclast activating factors (OAF). Since interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factors (TNF) are potent, synergistic OAF produced by cells of the B-cell lineage, the authors investigated the spontaneous secretion of these cytokines by 11 human myeloma cell lines (HMCL). No HMCL secreted either IL-1, the most powerful OAF, or contra IL-1. In contrast, all of the lymphoblastoid cell lines assayed produced significant IL-1 activity. Ten of the 11 HMCL secreted a significant TNF activity. This was completely eliminated by an anti-TNF beta monoclonal antibody but not affected by an anti-TNF alpha antiserum. The data from this study suggest that TNF beta is involved in myeloma bone resorption, but not IL-1, which is, however, known as one of the most potent OAF.

Expression of homeobox genes in human erythroleukemia cells

Because homeobox-containing genes play a major role in embryogenesis and tissue identity in Drosophila and because similar genes encode tissue-specific transcription factors in mammalian cells, we hypothesized that homeobox genes might plan a role in hematopoietic differentiation and lineage commitment. We therefore surveyed a number of human leukemic cell lines for expression of homeobox-containing genes by Northern gel analysis with probes from the Hox 2 cluster of homeobox genes on chromosome 17. We observed transcripts for Hox 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 and 2.6 in the erythroid line HEL and for Hox 2.3 and 2.6 in the erythroid line K562. Using homeobox-specific probes we confirmed that the transcripts visualized contained the homeodomains for each gene as well as the flanking sequences. The myeloid lines HL60, KG1 and U937 did not express specific transcripts for any of the 4 genes studied. However, all these cell lines demonstrated bands when probed at low stringency with certain Hox 2 probes, indicating the expression of other homologous but as yet unidentified homeobox genes. Expression of Hox 2.3 and 2.6 was seen in some T and B lymphoid cell lines. Induction of differentiation in HEL cells resulted in complex modulation of expression of the Hox 2 genes. We have therefore observed erythroid-restricted expression of certain Hox 2 homeobox containing genes in human erythroid cell lines and modulation of that expression with differentiation, suggesting a role for these genes in the regulation of hematopoiesis. Different homeobox genes appear to be expressed in non-erythroid leukemic cell lines.

Estrogen and progesterone receptors in some human myeloma cell lines and murine hybridomas

The control of immune responses by sex hormones is well documented but the effect of sex hormones on lymphoid cell subsets is poorly understood. We have investigated the expression of receptors for androgens (AR), estradiol (ER) and progesterone (PR) by human cell lines of the B lymphocyte lineage and by murine myeloma or hybridomas. AR, ER and PR were determined by cytosol and nuclear binding assays. Eleven human lymphoblastoid cell lines obtained by in vitro infection of blood or tonsil B cells with Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) B95, did not express AR or ER. Similarly, 10 Burkitt's lymphoma cell lines were AR, ER and PR negative with the exception of the pre-B RAJI cells which bear AR. Among 13 cell lines derived from patients with multiple myeloma none expressed AR but five were found to bear ER (20-164 fmol/mg DNA or 5-10 fmol/mg protein). Four of the latter group also bear PR (86-450 fmol/mg DNA). Two mouse hybridomas out of seven tested were ER and PR positive. The MOPC 315 myeloma expressed ER but not PR. The possible functional role of these sex hormone binding sites in cell proliferation and immunoglobulin secretion deserves further investigation.

Cytogenetic studies on human myeloma cell lines

Cell lines (U-266, U-1957, U-1996 and U-2030) established from 4 patients with multiple myeloma (MM) were analyzed cytogenetically. The cell lines represent different stages in B-cell differentiation as evidenced by ultrastructural and functional characteristics. The karyotypic pattern in 3 newly established myeloma lines was studied after a few months in culture and compared to the old myeloma cell line U-266, which was examined after 6, 7 and 8 years of continuous cultivation. Frequency of progressive numerical and structural aberrations during long-term cultivation and their correlation with alterations in growth properties were addressed. We describe the presence of a high frequency of both numerical and structural chromosomal abnormalities in the cells of all 4 myeloma lines studied. Chromosomes often associated with structural abnormalities were 1, 3, 6, 12 and 14. A 14q + marker chromosome was detected in 2 of the 4 cell lines. The breakpoints on the chromosomes participating in structural aberrations in myeloma exhibit some correlation to chromosome sites at or close to locations of mapped oncogenes. No translocations of c-myc were found. These data were further supported by Southern blot analysis (unpublished data). The extent of numerical, but not structural, aberrations correlates with the differentiation stage of the myeloma lines in that the 2 mature lines U-266 and U-1957 were both near-diploid. Multiple progressive chromosomal changes have emerged in U-266 during a period of 8 years with development of independence of feeder cells and increased growth rate. However, capacity for production of complete Ig molecules has remained stable.

Establishment and characterization of a human IgA-kappa-secreting plasma cell line (MT3)

We have established a new human plasma cell line from the peripheral blood of a patient with an IgA-kappa plasma-cell leukemia. Morphological, immunological, cytogenetic and molecular studies confirm that the cultured cells are derived from the same clone of leukemic plasma cell in vivo. The established cell line (MT3) grows in suspension, secretes high amounts of IgA kappa and exhibits morphological and ultrastructural characteristics of plasma cells. Surface marker analysis shows that both primary and cultured cells express the plasma-cell-associated antigens PCA-1 and T10, while specific B- and T-cell determinants and EBV nuclear antigen are undetectable. In the established cell line a few cells express Ia-like and CALLA antigens. Cytogenetic analysis of MT3 cells reveals a prevalent hypertriploid karyotype with constant chromosomal aberrations consisting of 14q+, 22q- and marker chromosomes.

Establishment of a new human myeloma cell line (U-2030) and selection of a hat-sensitive subline

We have established a new human myeloma cell line from the pleural effusion of a patient with an IgA lambda myeloma, using special tissue culture conditions and selection procedures to prevent the outgrowth of contaminating Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-carrying normal B-lymphoblastoid cells present in the explant. The myeloma cell line, U-2030, is aneuploid and EBNA-negative and has morphological features, reactivity with cytochemical markers and cell-surface antigen expression typical of plasmablasts. The cell line thus appears to be representative of the malignant clone in vivo. However, functionally the line is a non-Ig-producer and must therefore be derived from a non-secretory variant cell present within the highly aneuploid myeloma cell clone in vivo. The U-2030 differs from previously established human myeloma cell lines in that it has a comparatively high growth rate, is clonable and can be made HAT-sensitive relatively easily. This, together with the facts that it is a non-Ig-producer and mycoplasma-free, suggests that the 6-thioguanine-resistant, HAT-sensitive subline, U-2030 TG, derived from this cell line may be used as a malignant fusion partner for the production of human-human hybridomas. An EBV-carrying lymphoblastoid cell line (U-2031) was also established. This line was diploid and had all the phenotypic properties of lymphoblastoid lines established from normal individuals.

Human myeloma cells acquire resistance to difluoromethylornithine without overproducing ornithine decarboxylase

An exposure of a human myeloma cell line to 2-difluoromethylornithine the mechanism-based inhibitor of ornithine decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.17), resulted in a selection of tumor cells readily growing in the presence of 4 mM difluoromethylornithine, a concentration that swiftly halted the growth of the parental cells. Determination of the intracellular polyamines revealed that there were measurable amounts of putrescine and spermidine in the resistant cells. Restriction enzyme analyses of genomic DNA isolated from the resistant cells indicated that the gene dosage for ornithine decarboxylase was not increased to any appreciable extent. Similarly, the accumulation of mRNA was unaltered. The resistant myeloma cells, however, displayed arginase (EC 3.5.3.1) activity that was roughly ten times higher than that in the parental cells.

Two distinct human myeloma cell lines originating from one patient with myeloma

Two distinct cell lines (OPM-1 and OPM-2) were established from the peripheral blood of a 56-year-old female myeloma patient at the stage of terminal leukemic evolution associated with loss of cytoplasmic immunoglobulin heavy chain (G lambda----lambda). The lines grew in suspension with a doubling time of 36-42 hr and 30-36 hr, respectively. EBNA was absent from both lines. The lines synthesized cytoplasmic lambda-chain, but had no detectable surface immunoglobulins. Fc receptors and complement receptors could not be detected in either line. The lines had very complex chromosomal abnormalities, but the patterns of chromosomes differed greatly between the two lines. The two lines, together with the RPMI 8226 line established by Matsuoka et al. (1967), were analyzed for phenotypic expression as defined by a panel of monoclonal antibodies to B cells (B1, BA-1, BA-2, BA-3, OKIa-1 and OKT10/BMA0100). Neither OPM-1 nor OPM-2 reacted with any of the antibodies tested except OKT10. OPM-1 cells reacted weakly (less than 30%) with OKT10/BMA0100, while OPM-2 cells showed a fluctuating reactivity, ranging from 40 to 80%, with OKT10/BMA0100. In contrast, RPMI 8226 reacted strongly with OKT10 and BA-2. These results demonstrate the presence of phenotypic heterogeneity in all 3 myeloma cell lines, suggesting that the lines might represent different stages of terminal B-cell development.

ARH-77, an established human IgG-producing myeloma cell line. I. Morphology, B-cell phenotypic marker profile, and expression of Epstein-Barr virus

Monolayer cultures of ARH-77 cells, a human myeloma cell line propagated in vitro, display a variety of morphologic entities ranging from small lymphocytes to classic plasma cells. The cells show intense pyronin and periodic acid-Schiff affinity but are negative for colloidal iron, sudan black, and naphtol AS-D chloroacetate esterase. The cells exhibit phenotypic markers pertaining to each stage of the B-cell lineage. They fail to display sheep erythrocyte and bovine erythrocyte-IgG antibody complex rosettes, common acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) antigens and T-cell antigens, but most cells display surface complement receptors, Ia-like antigens, and surface and intracytoplasmic Ig. Monoclonal antibodies were negative for T-antigens, myelomonocytic cell antigens, leukemia-associated antigens, and BA-1 and OKT-10 antigens. However, 100% of the cells were positive with OKT-9 and B3/25 antibodies that are specific for transferrin receptors. About 50% to 80% of the cells were positive for surface membrane immunoglobulin (kappa IgG) and about 10% to 50% for cytoplasmic immunoglobulin (kappa IgG). Virtually all cells were positive when tested for nuclear Epstein-Barr virus antigens.

Novel approach to construction of human "myeloma analogues" for production of human monoclonal antibodies

The production of human monoclonal antibodies has been impeded by the lack of human myeloma cell lines which grow easily, fuse efficiently, clone readily, and continuously secrete large amounts of antibody. A cell line, HM 2.0, was constructed by fusing a HAT-sensitive, nonsecreting, human myeloma cell line, LSM 1.2, with cells from a patient with plasma cell leukemia. In marked contrast to LSM 1.2, which could not support the secretion of immunoglobulin, fusion of HM 2.0 with cells from spleen or peripheral blood routinely resulted in the secretion of antibody to pneumococcal polysaccharides and tetanus toxoid. The fusion efficiency of HM 2.0, as measured by growth of colonies, was greater than 1 per 1.2 X 10(3) peripheral blood mononuclear cells and the number of hybrids secreting specific antibody was greater than 1 per 1.1 X 10(5) mononuclear cells from immunized individuals. This is an improvement over our previously described human "myeloma analogue" LSM 2.7, derived by fusion of a HAT-sensitive, nonsecreting human myeloma cell line, LSM 1.1, with cells from a normal donor, as well as all previously described human lymphoblastoid and myeloma cell lines. These results demonstrate that somatic cell hybridization can be used to modify an existing cell line in such a manner as to yield a "new" cell line with the attributes necessary for the production of human monoclonal antibodies.