“In the 1950s, a ferment of new theoretical ideas on the cellular and genetic basis of antibody formation electrified the field of immunology and began a new age in experimentation.  Two problems dominated the thoughts of scientists during most of this decade—the cellular basis of antibody formation (how did it work?) and the genetic basis of antibody diversity (how could the genes in one individual generate antibodies for the thousands and thousands of antigens?).  …The pace of research was remarkable. One bridge between fields such as immunology, cancer research, protein chemistry, and molecular biology was the plasma cell.”

• —Michael Potter, “The Early History of Plasma Cell Tumors in Mice, 1954-1976.”

Through this foundation of plasma cell lines and novel animal models of human disease, Potter provided a pathway for the development of treatments for numerous diseases, including cancer.  Most significant, Potter's research was the direct basis for the creation of monoclonal antibodies, or identical copies of antibodies, considered one of the most important advances in medical research of the 20th century and the source of dozens of medical therapies used today.

Michael Potter is also remembered for his catalytic approach to science. He firmly believed that science should be an open pursuit, with international colleagues sharing ideas, materials, and techniques, and vigorously debating the merits of new experiments and information. To Potter, science was driven by curiosity, not competition, and the only goal was to answer our questions about the nature of life.

Additional Resources & Information

Museum Artifacts

Artifacts from the collection of the Office of NIH History and Stetten Museum, a few of which can be found in this section.

Resources

The Resources page aims to collect a number of sources used in creating this exhibit and to assist those who are exploring the life and work of Michael Potter beyond this exhibit.

Acknowledgements 

This exhibit could not have been created without the many contributions from the collaborators, friends and family of Michael Potter, in addition to the professionals who help to preserve the good work of researchers at the NIH.  Read more on the Acknowledgements page.

Potter Site Map