Lymphoblastoid Cell Lines
Lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) are a type of cell culture derived from lymphocytes, which are a kind of white blood cell. These cells are typically created by infecting normal lymphocytes with a virus, such as the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). This process allows the cells to proliferate indefinitely, making them useful for various research applications, including studies on genetics, immunology, and cancer.
LCLs are valuable tools in biomedical research because they can be easily manipulated and maintained in the laboratory. They retain many characteristics of the original lymphocytes, allowing scientists to investigate cellular responses and interactions. Additionally, LCLs can be used to produce monoclonal antibodies and study the effects of drugs on immune cells.