WIL2 Cells

Wil2 is a human B lymphoblastoid cell line derived from peripheral blood B lymphocytes of an adult donor and subsequently immortalized through Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) transformation. As an EBV-positive suspension cell line, Wil2 exhibits characteristic features of activated B cells, including continuous proliferation, expression of B-cell surface markers, and the capacity for immunoglobulin synthesis. The cells grow in suspension as single cells or small clusters and are commonly maintained in standard lymphocyte culture conditions supplemented with serum.

Phenotypically, Wil2 cells express typical B-lineage markers such as CD19, CD20, and surface immunoglobulins, along with activation-associated markers induced by EBV latent gene expression. The presence of EBV episomes drives proliferation and supports long-term culture, making this cell line a useful model for studying viral latency, B-cell activation, and host–virus interactions. Additionally, Wil2 has been used in immunological and molecular biology research focused on antibody production, antigen presentation, and signal transduction pathways in transformed B lymphocytes.

While Wil2 serves as a representative EBV-transformed B-cell model, available published data on its detailed genetic background and functional specialization remain relatively limited compared to more extensively characterized lymphoblastoid lines. Researchers are encouraged to validate specific phenotypic or functional properties in their experimental context and consult updated databases or primary literature for the most current characterization data.