Huh7.5 cells are a specific type of cell line widely utilized in scientific investigations. They offer a consistent and reproducible model for researchers to study various biological processes. Their ability to grow reliably outside of a living organism makes them a valuable tool for experiments requiring a stable and uniform cellular environment.
What Are Huh7.5 Cells?
Huh7.5 cells are a particular line of human liver cells, originally derived from a hepatocellular carcinoma from a 57-year-old Japanese male in 1982. These cells are considered “immortalized,” meaning they can divide and grow indefinitely, providing a continuous supply for research. Their ease of culture and consistent behavior make them a practical substitute for primary liver cells in many experimental contexts. Using a cell line like Huh7.5 ensures that experiments can be repeated with identical cellular material, improving the reliability and comparability of findings.
Unique Characteristics for Research
Huh7.5 cells are a subclone of the original Huh7 cell line, distinguished by a genetic alteration. They possess a missense mutation in the Retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) gene, which is involved in the intracellular antiviral response. This mutation impairs the cell’s ability to detect and respond to certain viral infections. Huh7.5 cells exhibit a reduced innate immune response, making them highly permissive for the replication of various viruses. This characteristic makes them valuable for specific types of virological research, as it allows scientists to study viral life cycles without the confounding effects of a robust host antiviral defense.
Applications in Medical Research
The unique permissiveness of Huh7.5 cells makes them a widely used model in medical research, particularly in virology. They are extensively employed to study the life cycle of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV), facilitating research into how these viruses infect and replicate within liver cells. Beyond HCV and HBV, these cells are also susceptible to other viruses, including Dengue and Zika viruses, expanding their utility in infectious disease research. Researchers use Huh7.5 cells to understand complex viral mechanisms, screen for and test the effectiveness of new antiviral drugs, and contribute to vaccine development efforts. The ability to grow these cells in three-dimensional cultures, resembling natural tissue, further enhances their value for studying viral entry and infection patterns in a more physiologically relevant context.