A very significant progression in scientific researches has
been provided with the performance of the first cultures of
HeLa cell lines in 1951. Currently, cell cultures are commonly
utilized in cancer investigations and the field of virology.
Although it has been known that cell lines are contaminated
cross-wise or misidentified over a 45-year period, publications
by those unaware of this condition with invalid results
are still being seen in the scientific literature. This condition
reflects a loss of time and money. Furthermore, investigators
and journal editors will face controversy due to the unacceptable
results of these studies. This problem can be avoided
with the utilization of authenticated cell lines and identification
of properties of available cells in future studies. However,
investigators should be made aware of this issue and
of the solutions. A short history of cross-contamination and
misidentification of cell lines, the possible causes and means
of prevention are discussed in this letter to call attention to
this issue.
Keywords: Cell line; medical oncology; authentication; virology; misidentification
