Choosing an in vitro model system that faithfully represents the natural physiology of the cell being studied is critical to understanding its in vivo function. However, primary cells cultured in vitro have a finite life span depending on the cell type. Therefore, although primary cells are good models of cell physiology, they become senescent before they are expanded to provide a sufficient number of cells for biochemical or genetic assays. A way around this is the use of immortalized cells, which have extended replicative capabilities, allowing you to use the same consistent cells throughout your research project.

There are many advantages to using immortalized cell lines. They are, at least theoretically, homogeneous and genetically identical populations, which helps to provide consistent and reproducible results. Immortalized cells are easier to culture than cells in primary culture because they grow more robustly and do not need to be extracted from a living animal. In addition, since they grow quickly and continuously, it is possible to extract large amounts of proteins for biochemical assays. It can also be used to create cell lines that continuously express genes of interest. Immortalized cell lines provide scientists with great insights into the biological processes of human cells and have become a powerful tool for countless applications, including testing drug metabolism and cytotoxicity, studying gene function, as well as producing vaccines, antibodies and biological compounds.

Immortalized Human Ovarian Epithelial Cells-SV40 have been obtained immortalizing Human Primary Ovarian Epithelial Cells with LentiSV40 Lentivirus. Immortalized cells were controlled passaging side by side with the primary cells. Primary cells go into senescence after the 3rd passage while the SV40tranduced cells go beyond 30 passages.