Immortal Human Cells

HeLa cells have revolutionized biomedical science since their discovery over sixty years ago. Originally derived from a cervical cancer biopsy taken from Henrietta Lacks in 1951, HeLa cells are the first immortalized human cell line and have been used to advance our understanding of cancer biology, cellular functions, gene expression, DNA replication, protein synthesis and drug responses. They have also enabled researchers to develop vaccines for polio and other diseases as well as understand how certain viruses interact with human cells such as HIV/AIDS. Despite their immense scientific value, however, the use of HeLa cells has been highly controversial due to ethical concerns surrounding consent and privacy rights associated with biomedical research. Additionally, legal issues regarding patenting of human biological material and access rights to information about HeLa cell lines have emerged in recent years. It is thus essential that we ensure ethical principles are respected in biomedical research while recognizing the contributions made by donors like Henrietta Lacks.