Cell line development
Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR) contributes to the prevention, eradication and control of pathogens. We have the ability to test cell lines for the presence or absence of most extraneous agents. That is crucial for bringing these cell lines into commercial production.
Growth of pathogens
Many pathogens can be propagated easily in growth medium. However, for viruses and intracellular bacteria, host cells are essential for propagation. Some of these organisms grow poorly or not at all in currently available host cells. This has different putative causes like slow-growing cells, the absence of specific pathogen receptors or the presence of host defence mechanisms in the cells. We offer a research line aimed to improve available cell lines to facilitate efficient growth of pathogens.
CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing
The aim of this research line is to expand knowledge of in vitro cell culture systems in order to increase the yield of intracellular pathogens. We do this using the CRISPR-Cas9 system, a very powerful genome editing tool for functionally knocking out target genes. We deliver proof-of-concept of this technique by knocking out a regulator gene that controls the natural interferon-mediated host response in cells, using CRISPR-Cas9. It was shown that in cells with this mutation, viral yield increased compared to the wild type cells.
Testing cell lines
Other yield improving modifications can be investigated in collaboration with our customers. We offer to test cell lines for the presence or absence of most extraneous agents.
Intracellular viruses and bacteria
Examples of difficult to propagate intracellular viruses in vitro are bovine respiratory syncytial virus, foot-and-mouth disease virus and African swine fever virus. Examples of difficult to propagate intracellular bacteria are Brucella, Coxiella and Mycobacteria.
Contact our expert
Please feel free to contact the expert of our contract research organization (CRO) if you have a question concerning cell line development.