Analysis of islet cell antibodies reactivity to a human islet cell line.

A human pancreatic beta cell line (HP62) was tested for reactivity with islet cell antibodies (ICA) as compared with previously-established methods. Using indirect immunofluorescence test, we found that HP62 cell line failed to react in a specific way with ICA from type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetic patients since sera from normal controls showed a reactivity similar to that found in the patients. So, the usefulness of this human beta cell line as a tool of immunological purpose is questioned when indirect immunofluorescence procedures are used.