This cell line was established in 1974 by the Nilsson K laboratory through isolation from the pleural effusion of a 37-year-old Caucasian male with malignant histiocytic lymphoma. Research since 1979 has shown that this cell can differentiate into terminally mature monocytes when induced by human mixed lymphocyte culture supernatant, phorbol ester (PMA), vitamin D3 (VitD3), gamma interferon (γ-IFN), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and retinoic acid. The cell does not synthesize immunoglobulins and is EBV-negative; it can produce lysozyme and β-2-microglobulin, and upon stimulation with PMA, it can produce TNF-α. It expresses C3R, can serve as a transfection host, expresses Fas, and is sensitive to TNF and anti-Fas antibodies.

Cell Name: Human histiocytic lymphoma cell line (STR authenticated)

Cell Synonyms: U-937; U937; U 937

Catalogue No.: TCH-C368

Species: Human
Tissue Origin: Pleura/Pleural Effusion
Disease Characteristic: Lymphoma Cell
Morphology: Monocyte
Growth Characteristics: Suspension growth
Culture System: RPMI-1640 + 10% FBS + 1% P/S
Matching Medium No.: TCH-G368
Passage Ratio: 1:3–1:6; change medium every 2–3 days
Doubling Time: 48–72 hours
Culture Conditions: Atmosphere: 95% air + 5% CO₂; Temperature: 37°C
Cryopreservation Conditions: 60% basal medium + 30% FBS + 10% DMSO; stored in liquid nitrogen

Quality Control: Negative for bacteria, fungi, and mycoplasma