Anatomy

KB Cells

This line KB is now known to be a subline of the ubiquitous KERATIN-forming tumor cell line HeLa. It was originally thought to be derived from an epidermal carcinoma of the mouth, but was subsequently found, based on isoenzyme analysis, HeLa marker chromosomes, and DNA fingerprinting, to have been established via contamination by HELA CELLS. The cells are positive for keratin by immunoperoxidase staining. KB cells have been reported to contain human papillomavirus18 (HPV-18) sequences.

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

This line KB is now known to be a subline of the ubiquitous KERATIN-forming tumor cell line HeLa. It was originally thought to be derived from an epidermal carcinoma of the mouth, but was subsequently found, based on isoenzyme analysis, HeLa marker chromosomes, and DNA fingerprinting, to have been established via contamination by HELA CELLS. The cells are positive for keratin by immunoperoxidase staining. KB cells have been reported to contain human papillomavirus18 (HPV-18) sequences.

MeSH Record

Classification

Broader headings

Related Concepts

Knowledge Graph

Loading graph…

Drag nodes to rearrange; hover to trace links; click a node to open its page.

MeSH Record

Synonyms

8 entry terms
  • HeLa-KB Cells
  • Cell, HeLa-KB
  • Cell, KB
  • Cells, HeLa-KB
  • Cells, KB
  • HeLa KB Cells
  • HeLa-KB Cell
  • KB Cell

MeSH Record

Aspects Covered

15 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings chemistry, classification, cytology, drug effects, enzymology, immunology, metabolism, microbiology, parasitology, pathology, physiology, radiation effects, transplantation, ultrastructure, virology.

MeSH Record

Indexing Annotation

almost always NIM with no subheadings; check HUMAN; do not routinely add neoplasm term

MeSH Record

History Note

85

MeSH Record

Previous Indexing

  • Cell Line (1969-1984)
  • Tissue Culture (1966-1971)

MeSH Hierarchy

Tree Numbers

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. KB Cells. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D007624. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D007624
  2. KB Cells. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q28334825