K562 cells were established the first human immortalized myelogenous leukemia line. This cell line is derived from a 53-year-old female chronic myelogenous leukemia patient in blast crisis. They can be used as a highly sensitive target for the in vitro natural killer assay. Recently, studies have shown the K562 blasts are multipotential, hematopoietic malignant cells that spontaneously differentiate into recognizable progenitors of the granulocyte, erythrocyte and monocytic series.

1. K562 Cell Line
General Information
Organism Homo sapiens, human
Cell Line
Description
K562 cells were established the first human immortalized
myelogenous leukemia line. This cell line is derived from a 53-year-
old female chronic myelogenous leukemia patient in blast crisis.
They can be used as a highly sensitive target for the in vitro natural
killer assay. Recently, studies have shown the K562 blasts are
multipotential, hematopoietic malignant cells that spontaneously
differentiate into recognizable progenitors of the granulocyte,
erythrocyte and monocytic series.
Tissue Bone marrow
Morphology Lymphoblast
Disease Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML)
Age 53 years
Primary No
Gender Female
Product
Format
Frozen

2. Growth
Mode
Suspension
Biosafety
Level
1
Biosafety classification is based on U.S. Public Health Service
Guidelines. It is the responsibility of the customer to ensure that
their facilities comply with biosafety regulations for their own
country.
Applications Cell culture/growth conditions, stable cell transfection, transient
transfection, gene expression, protein expression, protein
purification
Shipped in Dry ice
Storage
Temperature
−196°C
Characteristics
Karyotype 2n = 46
Images

3. Antigen
Expression
CD7 (25%)
Cytogenic
Data
The stemline chromosome number is triploid.
Mycoplasma Contamination was eliminated with Ciprobay (ciprofloxacin), then
negative in DAPI, microbiological culture, PCR assays
Immunology CD3 -, CD14 -, CD15 +, CD19 -, CD33 +, CD71 +, CD235a +
Viruses ELISA: reverse transcriptase negative; PCR: HBV -, HCV -, EBV -,
HHV-8 -, HIV-1 -, HIV-2 -, HTLV-I/II -, MLV -, SMRV -
Tumorigenic Yes
Effects Yes, in nude mice
Tumors developed within 21 days at 100% frequency (5/5) in nude
mice inoculated subcutaneously with 107
cells.
Culture Conditions and Handling
Culture
Medium
RPMI 1640 + 2 mM Glutamine + 10% Foetal Bovine Serum (FBS).
Morphology Round large, single cells in suspension
Subculturing Cultures can be maintained by the addition or replacement of fresh
medium. Seed out at ca. 0.5 x 106
cells/ml, and maintain at 0.1-1.0
x 106
cells/ml. Viability may be low after thawing, but cells recover

4. during the following 2-3 days. Starting the culture with 20% FBS in
12- or 24-well-plates could be of advantage.
Split Ratio Split 1:3 to 1:5
Harvest Maximal density at 1.0-1.5 x 106
cells/ml
Medium
Renewal
Add fresh medium every 2 to 3 days
Freeze
Medium
Complete culture medium supplemented with 5% (v/v) DMSO
Culture
Temperature
37°C
Incubation
Condition
Carbon dioxide (CO2), 5%