Rolf B1.T cells arose from a spontaneous immortalisation event - retaining characteristics of normal cells. The cells are dependent on serum growth factors for growth. They constitutively express glial fibrillary acidic protein, S100, the low affinity neurotrophin receptor p75 NTR, laminin, tenascin, and NCAM. These cells support the regrowth of neurites from adult rat retinal ganglion cells. They have potential value in research into mechanisms of glial support for axonal regeneration from adult mammalian central neurons and other aspects of differentiated glial cell biology. Epithelial-like or fusiform (inducible).