SU-DHL-2

SU-DHL-2 is a well-characterized human diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) cell line established from the pleural effusion of a 73-year-old Caucasian female with diffuse histiocytic lymphoma in relapse following chemotherapy with prednisone and chlorambucil. The cells exhibit lymphoblast-like morphology and grow in suspension as multicellular aggregates. Karyotypically, SU-DHL-2 is predominantly hyperdiploid with a sharp modal number of 51 chromosomes; occasional hypertetraploid cells are observed, along with a consistently present minute marker chromosome and increased chromosome numbers in groups A, B, C, and F. Immunophenotypically, the cells are positive for CD20, CD37, and CD80, while negative for surface immunoglobulin, CD3, CD10, CD34, CD38, CD138, and HLA-DR. The line is negative for Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen but positive for EBV DNA sequences by PCR.

A defining feature of SU-DHL-2 is its classification as the activated B-cell-like (ABC) molecular subtype of DLBCL, characterized by chronic active B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling, constitutive NF-κB pathway activation, and impaired apoptosis. Genetically, the cell line harbors a BCL2 rearrangement, with MYC negative, and carries a TP53 missense mutation (p.Y234S). SU-DHL-2 xenografts closely recapitulate human DLBCL pathology, demonstrating diffuse infiltration of large atypical lymphoid cells with prominent nucleoli and brisk mitotic activity. Its well-defined ABC-DLBCL background, consistent tumorigenicity, and proven translational relevance render SU-DHL-2 an indispensable platform for dissecting DLBCL pathogenesis and developing therapeutic interventions.