Here is the strange story of Henrietta Lacks and her immortal cells

It helped advance science without even knowing it. Henrietta Lacks, nee Loretta Pleasant, died of cervical cancer at the age of 31. Without asking him, the doctors took extracts from the tumor.

In the hospital where she was hospitalized before her death, a doctor who specializes in culturing malignant cells officiates. Try to develop immortal human cells for help scientists in their research. A label is affixed to Henrietta Lacks’ sample: HeLa, her initials. Years later, a cell type took on this name, which is now known throughout the world.

Tens of thousands of studios around the world

The analysis of the African American’s cancer cells showed that they are immortal: they renew themselves every 24 hours and infinitely. Usually, cells grown in the laboratory by researchers die within days, making some experiments impossible. Henrietta Lacks cells have thus made it possible to carry out tens of thousands of scientific tests all over the world. For example, they were used in 1954 by Jonas Salk to develop the polio vaccine.

The family excluded from these findings

For years, Henrietta Lacks’ family lived in ignorance: no one informed them that the Henrietta cells had been taken and are now being produced in quantity. However, the scientists realized they could contaminate other samples. So they asked to take blood samples from the family to map the HeLa cell genes. Henrietta’s descendants then discover, without truly understanding, that the mother’s cells have helped create a multi-billion dollar cell manufacturing and exporting industry.

The family is modest, one of its members is homeless, the shock is severe. Compensation will be given to her years after the death of Henrietta Lacks. An agreement was signed today between the family and health authorities: genetic information on HeLa cells cannot be made public without their consent.

A lesson for science

Rebecca Skloot dedicated a book to the history of this African American, Henrietta’s immortal life is missing. In an interview with Smithsonian Magazine, explains that this work should make it possible to avoid a new similar situation. “One of the lessons for scientists is that there are human lives behind every biological sample used in the laboratory.he explains. The people behind these samples often have their own opinions and feelings about what to do with their fabrics, but they are rarely taken into consideration. ” Remember that cell culture is necessary to find vaccines and treatments, but it must be done with respect for everyone.