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May 5, 2024
Researcher: Ariba Tashnim Ashna
Editor: Neha C
The discovery of the first immortal human cell line, derived from Henrietta Lacks' cervical cancer cells, marked a profound milestone in scientific history. These cells, known as HeLa cells, were obtained without Lacks' consent by Dr. George Gey of Johns Hopkins in 1951. HeLa cells, named after Henrietta Lacks, exhibit unique characteristics that differentiate them from other cultured human cells. Their ability to indefinitely divide under optimal laboratory conditions earned them the designation "immortal." Today, countless variations of HeLa cells have been cultivated from the original tumor cells, contributing significantly to scientific research and medical advancements.
Since their successful cloning in 1953 by Theodore Puck and Philip I. Marcus at the University of Colorado, Denver, HeLa cells have remained pivotal in scientific research. Continuously utilised for investigations into cancer, AIDS, radiation effects, toxic substance reactions, gene mapping, and various other scientific inquiries, they have played a crucial role in advancing our understanding of numerous diseases and biological processes.
Moreover, HeLa cells have been instrumental in testing for parvovirus and oropouche virus, assessing the efficacy of the initial polio vaccine, and studying the canine distemper virus, further demonstrating their versatility and significance in biomedical research.
HPV infection, stemming from a DNA virus within the Papillomaviridae family, often manifests in warts or precancerous lesions, posing an elevated risk of cancer in various anatomical sites such as the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, anus, mouth, tonsils, or throat. Notably, nearly all cervical cancers trace their origin to HPV. The pivotal role of HeLa cells extends to the development of the HPV vaccine, catalysed by virologist Harald Zur Hausen's discovery of HPV-18 within Henrietta Lacks' biopsy, ultimately leading to her tragic demise, and earning Zur Hausen a Nobel Prize.
Subsequently, HeLa cells have been pivotal in testing and developing new vaccines and drugs against infections such as HIV, Zika, mumps, and herpesviruses. Additionally, an accidental laboratory mishap in 1953 unveiled a breakthrough: HeLa cells, mistakenly exposed to the wrong liquid, enabled researchers Joe Hin Tjio and Albert Levan to vividly observe and enumerate each chromosome for the first time. This revelation not only improved chromosome staining and counting techniques but also debunked the previous notion of humans possessing 24 chromosome pairs, affirming the correct count as 23 pairs.
During the 1960s, HeLa cells embarked on significant journeys aboard the Soviet satellite Sputnik-6 and various human space missions, serving as crucial subjects to investigate the enduring impacts of space travel on living cells. Findings from these missions unveiled a fascinating revelation: HeLa cells exhibited accelerated division rates in zero-gravity environments, shedding light on the unique physiological responses of cells to extraterrestrial conditions.
HeLa cells easily spread and mixed with other cell lines in labs worldwide, causing research problems, even for famous scientists like Jonas Salk. This issue also complicated Cold War cancer research cooperation between the USSR and the USA. The International Cell Line Authentication Committee warns that mistaken cell identity often results from mixing different cell lines, casting doubt on research accuracy.
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