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Title: High titer growth of human and avian influenza viruses in an immortalized chick embryo cell line without the need for exogenous proteases

Author
item SMITH, KRISTIN - Michigan State University
item COLVIN, CHRISTOPHER - Michigan State University
item WEBER, PATTY - Michigan State University
item Spatz, Stephen
item COUSSENS, PAUL - Michigan State University

Submitted to: Vaccine
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/9/2008
Publication Date: 7/4/2008
Citation: Smith, K.A., Colvin, C.L., Weber, P.S., Spatz, S.J., Coussens, P.M. 2008. High titer growth of human and avian influenza viruses in an immortalized chick embryo cell line without the need for exogenous proteases. Vaccine. 26:3778-3782.

Interpretive Summary: Scientists at Michigan State University have developed a cell line PBS-1 that can be grown in tissue culture bottles continuously. These cells are capable of growing avian influenza A and B viruses to extremely high yields which has application in vaccine virus production. Furthermore, the viruses grown in the cells can be easily release into the medium without the need for exogenous proteases.

Technical Abstract: The current method of growing influenza virus for vaccine production is through the use of embryonated chicken eggs. This manufacturing system yields a low concentration of virus per egg, requires significant downstream production for purification, and demands a considerable amount of time for production. We have demonstrated an immortalized chick embryo cell line, termed PBS-1, that is capable of growing unmodified recent isolates of human and avian influenza A and B viruses to extremely high titers. In many cases, PBS-1 cells out perform primary chick embryo kidney (CEK) cells, Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells and African green monkey kidney cells (Vero) in growth of recent influenza isolates. PBS-1 cells are free of any exogenous agents, are non-tumorigenic, and are readily adaptable to a variety of culture conditions, including growth on microcarrier beads. Influenza viruses grown in PBS-1 cells are released into the culture fluid without the need for exogenous proteases, thus simplifying downstream processing. In addition to offering a significant improvement in vaccine production, PBS-1 cells should prove valuable in diagnostics and as a cell line of choice for influenza virus research.