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So begins Michael Potter's illustrative history of plasma cell tumor research, a history he knew well, as its chief architect.  During his nearly 60-year career at the National Institutes of Health, Potter accelerated the fields of cancer research and immunology by using plasma cells to reveal the structure, function, and genetics of disease-fighting antibodies.

Plasma cells are white blood cells that produce unique antibodies capable of killing "foreign invaders" to the body, such as viruses or bacteria.  Potter knew that plasma cell tumors are a rich source of antibodies.  His genius was in learning how to induce plasma cell tumors in mice and to grow them in great quantities in the 1950s, long before the creation of modern cloning techniques.  This enabled, for the first time, in-depth study of antibodies.

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Photo of Potter in a labImage Modified

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National Library of Medicine

Photograph by Ernie Branson

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I. A New Tool for Immunology: Plasma Cell Tumors
Michael Potter found a specific type of tumor to study how our bodies protect us from bacteria, viruses, foreign cells, and our own cells gone cancerous.

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II. Antibody Structure, Function, and Genetics
To understand how antibodies work, Michael Potter had to figure out their basic and genetic structures.



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III. Plasma Cell Tumor Development: A Complex Multi-Step Process
What causes cancer? What role do viruses and genes play? And can we grow tumors to study in tissue culture instead of animals?

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Photo of Dr. Potter and another scientist in backgroundImage Modified

IV. A Legacy of Shared Curiosity
Workshops, conferences, debates, and books: Michael Potter believed science was a collaborative effort and that knowledge was best shared.



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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.

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