Cell line development creates stable, reproducible populations of cells for research and industrial purposes. These cell lines are grown and maintained in a controlled laboratory, establishing a consistent source of biological material for repeated experiments or production. This process underpins many advancements in modern biology and medicine.
The Purpose of Cell Line Development
Establishing cell lines offers significant advantages over primary cells, which are directly isolated from tissues and have a limited lifespan. Cell lines provide an unlimited, cost-effective supply of material that is easier to transport and store. This allows researchers to conduct numerous experiments without constantly sourcing new biological samples.
Cell lines also promote standardization and reproducibility. Primary cells vary based on donor factors, making results less consistent. In contrast, cell lines are well-characterized and homogenous, ensuring experiments can be replicated with minimal variability. This consistency is particularly important for drug discovery and development, where reliable data is essential.
Cell lines simplify the manipulation of cellular functions, leading to clearer interpretation of results. They provide a controllable system for studying biological processes and testing new therapies. This enables scientists to investigate cellular mechanisms, model diseases, and test new treatments more efficiently.
The Process of Creating a Cell Line
Developing a cell line begins with acquiring an initial cell source, from tissue biopsies to existing cell stocks. Cells are then isolated and cultivated in a nutrient-rich environment, a process known as cell culture. The goal is often to create “immortalized” cell lines, meaning cells that can divide indefinitely.
Immortalization can occur spontaneously through mutation, but is more commonly induced in the laboratory. Scientists might introduce specific viral genes (e.g., SV40 T-antigen) or express human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) to enable continuous division by preventing chromosome end degradation. A selection process then identifies cells with the desired genetic material and traits.
Following selection, individual cells are isolated to ensure monoclonality, meaning the cell line originates from a single progenitor cell. These cells are expanded, and the resulting cell lines undergo rigorous characterization. This involves testing for identity, purity, genetic stability, and freedom from contaminants like bacteria, fungi, and viruses, ensuring suitability for its intended use.
Applications Across Science and Medicine
Developed cell lines are widely applied across scientific and medical fields. In drug discovery, they are essential for screening new compounds and testing their effectiveness and toxicity. Large panels of cancer cell lines, for instance, evaluate drug responses and aid in developing new cancer therapies.
Cell lines are fundamental in producing biological therapeutics, such as recombinant proteins and monoclonal antibodies. Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, for example, produce over 70% of approved recombinant protein therapeutics due to their high yield and human-like modifications. These proteins treat various conditions, including autoimmune disorders and cancers.
Vaccine production heavily relies on cell lines. Cell lines from mammalian, avian, or insect sources cultivate vaccine viruses or produce antigens, offering a faster, more stable method than traditional egg-based approaches. Cell lines are also invaluable for disease modeling, allowing scientists to study disease progression and investigate mechanisms in a controlled setting. Researchers can use patient-derived stem cells to create disease-specific cell lines for testing treatments.