Generation of EBV-transformed Lymphoblastoid Cell Lines

Lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) are generated by Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) transformation of the B-lymphocyte component within the peripheral blood lymphocyte (PBL) population. Once a cell line has been successfully established, a bank of four ampoules is generated and stored in the ECACC Cryostorage facility.
Sample progress is tracked using a purpose built Laboratory Information Management system, linked to electronic inventory management software. As part of routine Quality Assurance, all cell banks are screened for freedom from Mycoplasma, and a proportion of every batch is tested for sterility, cell count and viability and authenticity against source material (blood spot card prepared at receipt) using STR-PCR profiling.
The process takes approximately five to six weeks to complete. As part of the service, frozen cells or a growing culture (if requested at the time of transformation) can be returned to the customer. A start-up fee will be charged for growing cultures requested at a later date.

From PBLs
ECACC has the capacity to initiate up to 1000 scheduled EBV transformations per month, the overwhelming majority of which are from frozen PBLs resuscitated from liquid nitrogen storage, and we aim to achieve a transformation success rate of at least 95% at first attempt.

From Frozen Whole Blood
ECACC has developed a procedure for EBV transformation of lymphocytes from frozen whole blood as an alternative option for those customers who may not wish to opt for the traditional method from separated PBLs, or who may not require cell lines from a complete cohort. Transformation success rates of approximately 80 - 85% have been achieved, dependent upon sample quality.

For more information, or for a quotation, contact ECACC