Continuous cell lines as a production system for influenza vaccines

Abstract

The declaration of pandemic alert Phase 6 for human influenza A (H1N1) by the WHO and the measures taken by individual countries in June 2009 has shown the world how fragile today’s resources in pandemic and prepandemic, but also seasonal, vaccines are. Conventionally, human influenza vaccines are produced in embryonated chicken eggs. However, significant efforts of authorities and vaccine manufacturers over the last decade have led to the establishment of cell culture-derived vaccines. Currently, vaccines produced in three different host cell lines (Madin–Darby Canine Kidney, Vero and PER.C6) are in clinical trials, and the first licenses for seasonal as well as pandemic H5N1 vaccines have been granted. These encouraging developments for cell culture-based influenza virus production are summarized and an overview on potential cell substrates is given.

Keywords::

• adherent
• AGE1.CR^®
• continuous cell line
• influenza virus
• MDCK
• PER.C6^®
• suspension
• vaccine production
• Vero

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.