The present invention comprises a novel immortal non-adherent human
melanocyte cell line, designated WC-1 14.07. This cell line is stable and
MHC class I negative. This continuous melanocyte cell line can be used as
a source of melanin and hgp100. The Class I MHC-negative nature of this
cell line allows it to be used as a target for transfection with MHC class
I genes, providing a novel source of hgp100 in a pre-determined MHC
context. The cell line can thus be used in a variety of ways, directly or
indirectly, in the development and manufacture of vaccines for melanoma.
