Daudi Cells

The Daudi cell line was established in 1967 from a 16-year-old African boy diagnosed with Burkitt’s Lymphoma, a type of lymphoma. Named after the patient from whom it was derived, the Daudi cell line is characterized by its Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) positivity, a common feature in Burkitt’s lymphoma and several other lymphoproliferative disorders. The EBV infection within these cells offers a unique model for studying the virus’s role in tumorigenesis, particularly in the context of B-cell malignancies.
Daudi human cells lack expression of the classical Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class I molecules on their surface, which is attributed to the absence of beta-2-microglobulin, a crucial component responsible for the correct intracellular folding and processing of the MHC class I molecule in the endoplasmic reticulum. The lack of beta-2-microglobulin in the Daudi cell line leads to a lack of glycosyl modifications necessary for proper cell surface expression of these molecules.
The Daudi cell line is extensively utilized in immunology research, particularly in studies involving the immunodepletion of lymphocyte subpopulations, including lymphocytes, natural killer cells, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells.
In summary, the Daudi cell line serves as a critical resource for advancing our knowledge in various research fields, from the basic understanding of cell biology to the development of targeted therapies for cancer treatment.