ACHN Cells

The ACHN cell line is derived from the malignant pleural effusion of a 22-year-old Caucasian male with widely metastatic renal adenocarcinoma. The cell line was established in November 1979, following direct seeding of the cancer cells into culture flasks containing Eagle's MEM with 10% FBS. Over a period of 150 days, the cells were maintained and passaged in vitro. Subsequently, the cells were inoculated subcutaneously into nude mice, where they formed palpable, locally invasive tumors within four weeks. This cell line is tumorigenic, as evidenced by its ability to induce tumors in 100% of nude mice (5/5) inoculated with 107 cells, with tumors developing within 21 days. ACHN cells are characterized by an adherent growth pattern and express specific isoenzymes, including G6PD (type B). This cell line is also noted for its response to human interferons and interferon inducers, making it particularly useful for antiproliferative studies. Both the original ACHN cells and those recovered from tumors in nude mice demonstrate growth inhibition in the presence of human interferons, highlighting their potential application in studies exploring the efficacy of interferon-based therapies for renal cancer. The ACHN cell line is a valuable tool for cancer research, especially in the context of renal adenocarcinoma. It serves as an important model for studying tumorigenicity, metastatic behavior, and the effects of interferons on cancer cell proliferation. Its ability to form tumors in vivo and respond to interferon treatment provides a robust platform for developing and testing new therapeutic approaches targeting renal cell carcinoma.