The OMK line is susceptible to a number of non-human primate viruses, including herpesvirus aotus, herpesvirus saimiri, and herpesvirus ateles, and is chiefly utilized for their propagation in scientific studies. OMK cells have also been used for a variety of other purposes, especially in research related to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes AIDS.

Epithelial cells vary in shape, and in vivo the cells are found tightly packed into sheets containing very little intercellular material. Tight junctions generally bind the cells together, effectively forming a protective barrier that shields organs or other bodily components from physical injury and invasion by foreign materials. Epithelial sheets also are important in the prevention of fluid loss and generally consist of renewing cell populations that display periodic mitotic activity, which is necessary to maintain the integrity of the tissue since most epithelia are continually exposed to mechanical abrasion. In addition to protection, epithelial cells may function in absorption, sensory reception, and secretion. Renal epithelial cells often are particularly notable for this latter function, playing a key role in the temporary storage and subsequent secretion of waste products.

Tubulin was visualized in the culture of OMK epithelial cells depicted in the digital image above by immunofluorescent labeling with primary anti-tubulin mouse monoclonal antibodies followed by goat anti-mouse secondary antibody fragments conjugated to Alexa Fluor 405. The cell culture was also labeled for the cytoskeletal filamentous actin network with Texas Red conjugated to a mushroom toxin (phalloidin) and for the nucleus with the popular counterstain SYTOX Green. Images were recorded in grayscale with a 12-bit digital camera coupled to a Nikon Eclipse 80i microscope equipped with bandpass emission fluorescence filter optical blocks. During the processing stage, individual image channels were pseudocolored with RGB values corresponding to each of the fluorophore emission spectral profiles.