KARPAS 299

Description

KARPAS 299 is a human T-cell lymphoma cell line established in 1986 from the peripheral blood of a 25-year-old Caucasian male diagnosed with T-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, now classified as CD30+ anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) . The cells exhibit a lymphoblastoid morphology and grow in suspension as single cells or small clusters, with a doubling time of approximately 30 hours. Cytogenetic analysis reveals a hypodiploid karyotype, featuring the hallmark t(2;5)(p23;q35) translocation, which generates the oncogenic NPM-ALK fusion gene. KARPAS 299 expresses a range of T-cell surface markers (CD2, CD3, CD4, CD5, and CD7), along with high levels of CD30 (Ki-1 antigen) and ALK protein. The cell line is tumorigenic in immunodeficient mice and reliably forms xenografts tumors, making it a critical model for studying ALCL biology and CD30-targeted therapies.

Application

• KARPAS 299 is a critical tool in lymphoma research, widely used to explore the molecular mechanisms of the t(2;5) translocation and the oncogenic activity of the NPM-ALK fusion protein. It is particularly valuable for characterizing CD30-positive large cell lymphomas and dissecting the signaling pathways involved in ALCL pathogenesis. This cell line supports the development and testing of targeted therapies, especially those aimed at ALK and CD30, such as monoclonal antibodies and small-molecule inhibitors. Its utility in xenograft models further enhances its relevance in translational research and therapeutic discovery for aggressive T-cell lymphomas.