McCoy cells are a specific type of cell line, initially derived from human synovial fluid, and widely used in research, particularly for culturing certain bacteria.
History and Origin
- Source: McCoy cells were first obtained from human synovial fluid in 1955.
- Subculturing: Over time, these cells have been continuously subcultured and shared among laboratories.
Primary Use in Research
The main research application of McCoy cells is their use in the cultivation of:
- Chlamydia trachomatis: These cells are particularly useful for growing Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria.
Key Characteristics
- Human Origin: The cells are of human origin, making them relevant for studying human diseases.
- Adaptability: McCoy cells are adaptable, which allows them to be maintained in lab settings and used across different studies.
- Standard Tool: Due to their ability to support the growth of Chlamydia, they have become a standard tool in microbiology and infectious disease research.
Why Use McCoy Cells?
- Efficient Growth: They provide an environment that supports efficient growth and replication of Chlamydia trachomatis.
- Replicable Results: Using a stable cell line like McCoy cells helps researchers obtain more reproducible results across different experiments.
Conclusion
McCoy cells are human-derived cells, first obtained from synovial fluid, and now primarily known for their ability to support the growth of Chlamydia trachomatis in laboratory settings, thereby contributing significantly to infectious disease research.
