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Short answer: Raji cells are a human B-lymphocyte cell line derived from a Burkitt lymphoma, grown in suspension, and carrying Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA. The line is held by ATCC as CCL-86 and recorded in Cellosaurus as CVCL_0511. It expresses B-cell antigens such as CD19 and CD20, which is why it appears in cancer, immunology and transfection work. It is a cancer-derived, virus-positive line, not a model of a normal B cell.
This page is general reference for researchers and laboratory staff. It is not medical advice and does not give clinical or procedural instructions.
Definition and scope: Raji, Raji cell line, Raji cells
All three phrases refer to the same established line. Cellosaurus lists the synonyms RAJI, P1-Raji and GM04671, and records the misspelling BAJI, which is useful when searching older papers. Bare “Raji” is also a personal name and a place name, so searches that mean the cell line do better with “Raji cells” or the catalogue number.
According to the ATCC product page for CCL-86, the cells come from a Burkitt’s lymphoma of an 11-year-old male, isolated from the left maxilla. They are described as B lymphocytes with a lymphoblast-like morphology that grow in suspension. Cellosaurus records the donor as male, aged 11, from the African (Nigerian) population.
Key features that shape experiments
EBV status
ATCC states that the cells contain EBV DNA sequences, are EBNA positive, and test positive for EBV by PCR. Cellosaurus reports 50 to 60 integrated copies of the EBV genome, with one copy in intron 1 of the BACH2 gene.
Genetic features
Cellosaurus lists heterozygous TP53 variants (p.Arg213Gln and p.Tyr234His), a MYC-IGH fusion, and microsatellite stability. It also notes the line is genetically heterogeneous and consists of two subclones. These features matter when a result depends on p53 signalling, MYC-driven proliferation or viral gene expression: the line should not be treated as a generic B-cell stand-in.
Surface antigens and documented uses
ATCC notes expression of B-cell antigens including CD19 and CD20. Its listed applications are cancer research, anti-cancer drug development, immune response studies, use as a transfection host, and co-culture, including a gastrointestinal barrier model with Caco-2 cells.
Culture parameters stated by ATCC
- Medium: ATCC-formulated RPMI-1640 with 10% fetal bovine serum; incubation at 37 °C with 5% CO2.
- Subculture: seed at 4 × 105 viable cells/mL and do not exceed 3 × 106 cells/mL; renew medium every 2 to 3 days.
- Freezing: complete growth medium with 10% DMSO. ATCC says to store in the vapor phase of liquid nitrogen and that storage at −70 °C will result in loss of viability.
- Growth rate: Cellosaurus cites a doubling time of about 23.2 hours in one study; other reports range from roughly 20 to 36 hours.
Treat these as the supplier’s baseline. Use the datasheet that ships with your vial, since it governs your lot.
Where to verify your Raji cells: bank identifiers and authentication
Older papers cite the line under different repository numbers. Cellosaurus (CVCL_0511) maps them, and no misidentification or problematic-line flag is listed for Raji there as of 2026-11-08.
| Repository | Identifier (per Cellosaurus) |
|---|---|
| ATCC | CCL-86 |
| DSMZ | ACC-319 |
| Coriell | GM04671 |
| ECACC | 85011429 |
| JCRB | 9012 |
| RCB | RCB1647 |
| BEI Resources | ARP-9944 |
| CLS | 300359 |
A practical checklist drawn from these records:
- Record the repository and catalogue number you used, and cite the Research Resource Identifier CVCL_0511 where a journal accepts RRIDs.
- Compare your own short tandem repeat (STR) profile with the reference: ATCC publishes an 18-locus profile plus amelogenin (X,Y) for CCL-86.
- Check Cellosaurus for the current status of the line before submitting a manuscript.
- Confirm the biosafety designation with your supplier and your Institutional Biosafety Committee. Supplier documents for this line do not read identically, so do not rely on a single page or an older paper for the level.
Where it matters for labs
Because Raji cells are EBV-positive human cells, containment and waste handling follow your institution’s biosafety assessment. The general framework is explained in our entries on Biosafety Level 2 and the biosafety cabinet. For other established lines, compare the A549 and MDCK guides, and see the general overview of tissue culture.
Common misunderstandings
- It is not a normal B cell. It is a lymphoma-derived line with TP53 variants and a MYC-IGH fusion.
- It is not EBV-free. Viral DNA is integrated and present, which affects both biology and handling.
- One identifier is not enough. The same line appears under eight repository numbers and several synonyms.
- A suspension line is not seeded like an adherent line. ATCC gives density limits, not a split ratio by confluence.
FAQ
What are Raji cells?
A human Burkitt lymphoma B-cell line, EBV-positive, grown in suspension and held as ATCC CCL-86 (Cellosaurus CVCL_0511).
What is the Raji cell line used for?
ATCC lists cancer research, anti-cancer drug development, immune response studies, transfection host use and co-culture models.
Do Raji cells express CD19 and CD20?
ATCC states that the line expresses B-cell antigens including CD19 and CD20.
Where do Raji cells come from?
From a Burkitt’s lymphoma of an 11-year-old male donor, per ATCC and Cellosaurus.
Sources
- ATCC, Raji (CCL-86) product page, read 2026-11-08.
- Cellosaurus, Raji (CVCL_0511), read 2026-11-08.
