HMy2.CIR Cells

The HMy2.CIR cell line was developed through gamma irradiation and subsequent selection for the loss of HLA class I antigen expression from the HMy.2 B lymphoblastoid cell line. This parental cell line is a fast-growing mutant derived from the ARH-77 cell line. HMy2.CIR cells are particularly valuable as hosts for transfected class I major histocompatibility antigen genes, offering a versatile platform for studying antigen presentation and immune response mechanisms. The ARH-77 cell line, from which HMy2.CIR is ultimately derived, is known to be positive for Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen (EBNA+) and Epstein-Barr viral capsid antigen (EBVCA+). Consequently, the HMy2.CIR cell line is also presumed to be EBNA positive. This cell line is characterized by its expression of small amounts of HLA Cw4, but it does not express HLA A or B locus products. This unique antigen expression profile makes HMy2.CIR cells a useful model for immunological research, particularly in the study of HLA class I-restricted antigen processing and presentation.