Human B cell line deficient in class II transactivator (CIITA).
The class II transactivator (CIITA) is essential for the expression of major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II) genes. However, the role of CIITA in gene regulation outside of MHC-II biology is not fully understood. Researchers at Emory University have developed a CIITA deficient human B cell line derived from Raji, a human Burkitt’s lymphoma cell line. In addition to being able to study CIITA or CIITA independent effects on MHC class II regulation, these cells can serve as a host cell for the expression of transfected MHC-II genes and alleles and accessory molecules. These cells could be used to probe antigen presentation of vaccine candidates or diagnostic markers associated with MHC-II.
The cell line is developed and available for use.
Publication: Scharer, C. D. et al. (2015). Nucleic Acid Research, 43(6), 3128-3142.