Growth and immunogenicity of foot-and-mouth disease virus in baby hamster kidney cells adapted to and continuously grown in a serum-free chemically defined media

The production of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) virus in baby hamster kidney (BHK) suspension cells grown in serum-free media for subsequent use in vaccines was attempted because of the limited availability of serum in quantities sufficient for propagation of large amounts of cells, as well as the possible presence of mycoplasma, viral contaminants, and interfering antibodies in sera. Suspension cultures (50 to 600 ml) of BHK-21 cells adapted to and continually passed in a glutamine-free autoclavable, chemically defined medium (BHK-S system) were infected with all seven types of FMD virus. Cells were infected at multiplicities of infection (MOI) ranging from 10^?1 to 10^?7 plaque-forming units per cell (PFU/cell). The time course of infectious virus release and the amount of complement-fixing (CF) antigen produced were then followed. Peak harvest infectivities of approximately 10^8.5 PFU/ml were obtained from 12 to 24 hr after inoculation, depending on input MOI, and were apparently independent of cell concentration over the range 1.5 to 4.0 million cells/ml; the CF endpoint dilutions increased from 1:12 at the lower cell concentrations to 1:48 at the highest cell concentration. Monovalent and trivalent vaccines have been produced using viruses from the BHK-S system, inactivated with acetylethyleneimine and emulsified in oil, and the results of tests in steers and guinea pigs are presented.     

Complement-Fixing Antigen from BHK-21 Cell Cultures Infected with Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus

Infection of BHK-21 cells with lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM) virus resulted in the production of significant titers of complement-fixing (CF) antigen. The antigen was spontaneously released from the cells, but the highest titer of 1:16 was recovered by disruption of the infected cells by freeze-thawing in tryptose phosphate broth. The antigen could be partially separated from infectious virus by centrifugation. Furthermore, it was possible to detect LCM virus infection of cell cultures by the production of the CF antigen, but this method proved less sensitive than titration by intracerebral inoculation of mice. The CF antigen from cell cultures was at least as sensitive and specific as the reference antigen prepared from infected guinea pig spleen.     

Growth of the IB-RS-2 Pig Kidney Cell Line in Suspension Culture and Its Susceptibility to Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus

The adaptation of the pig kidney cell line IB-RS-2, clone 60, to growth in suspension culture is described. When fully adapted, an approximate threefold increase in viable cells was obtained within 72 hr from initial cell concentrations of 5 x 10(5) per ml in culture volumes up to 1,500 ml. The monolayer cells (99th passage level) used to initiate the suspension cultures and the fully adapted suspension cells were shown to have an aneuploid chromosome karyotype, whereas earlier monolayer cultures (32nd passage level) had a pseudodiploid karyotype. Replicate virus titrations in monolayers prepared from suspension-adapted cells, IB-RS-2 monolayer cells, BHK monolayer cells, and in suckling mice showed that the suspension cells had retained sensitivity to foot-and-mouth disease virus. The geometric mean peak infectivity of seven strains of foot-and-mouth disease virus grown in IB-RS-2 suspension cells was 10(8.2) plaque-forming units per ml, with a mean complement-fixing activity of approximately 135 complement-fixing units per ml. These preliminary results indicate that submerged cultures of these cells on an industrial scale may be useful for commercial foot-and-mouth disease vaccine production.     

Effect of Imput Multiplicity and Tissue Cell Concentration on Growth of Rift Valley Fever Virus

The effects of virus input multiplicity and of tissue cell concentration upon the growth of Rift Valley fever virus in L cells (Earle) were determined. The titers obtained in suspension cultures with cells obtained from two separate laboratories were significantly different. With both monolayer culture and suspension culture systems, a virus input multiplicity of 2.5 resulted in the greatest proliferation of virus. Optimal viral yields were obtained in suspension cultures containing 4 x 10(5) tissue cells per ml of suspension.     

Preparation of La Crosse Virus Hemagglutinating Antigen in BHK-21 Suspension Cell Cultures

Hemagglutinating and complement-fixing antigens of La Crosse virus (California arbovirus group) were produced in serum-free suspension cultures of BHK-21/13S cells. The appearance and production of these antigens were correlated with the titer of infectious virus. No significant differences in antigen titers were produced by varying virus dose 10-fold. Hemagglutinin appeared 6 to 8 hr after inoculation and reached peak titer in 14 to 22 hr. Both beta-propiolactone and Tween 80-ether treatment inactivated infectious virus in the antigens. Unlyophilized antigen was stable at -60, 5 and 24 C for at least 117 days but not for 1 year. Lyophilized antigen was stable for at least a year, however, at -20 and 5 C. Cell culture-produced antigen was more sensitive than brain-produced antigen in detecting hemagglutination inhibition antibody in human sera.     

Growth of Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Suspension Cell Culture

Respiratory syncytial virus, Burnett strain, adsorbed efficiently and grew to high titers in suspension cultures of HEp-2 and MA-160 cells. Our results compared favorably with previous experience with the growth of respiratory syncytial virus in monolayer cell cultures. The use of suspension cell cultures provides a convenient and simple procedure for producing high-titering respiratory syncytial virus pools.     

Inactivated Rabies Vaccine Produced from the Flury LEP Strain of Virus Grown in BHK-21 Suspension Cells

Suspension cultures of BHK-21 cells maintained at 32 to 33 C were infected with the Flury LEP strain of rabies virus. By using a cell concentration of 2.0 x 10(6) to 2.5 x 10(6) cells per ml infected at a multiplicity of 0.05, high titers of extracellular virus were reached in 96 to 120 h, and potent inactivated vaccines were prepared from culture fluids harvested between 96 to 168 h. The addition of 1% bovine serum to the maintenance medium resulted in an increase in virus yields and vaccine potency. Estimation of the number of infected cells by immunofluorescent procedures proved a rapid and reliable guide to the virus content of suspension cultures.     

Infectivity titers of adenovirus type 5 suspensions after exposure to cigarette smoke.

Suspension of adenovirus type 5 in 2.0 ml of cell culture fluid at 37 degrees C were subjected to smoke from four cigarettes over a 4-h period. The cigarettes were smoked in a normal manner, and the inhaled smoke was exhaled through glass tubing into the virus-containing fluid. The virus suspensions were then titrated, using monolayer cultures of HEp-2 cells. Smoke from filter-tipped or regular cigarettes caused a 2- to 3-log drop in titer of tissue culture infectious doses of adenovirus type 5 per 0.1 ml of virus suspension. No reductions in titers were observed with parallel suspensions of the virus subjected to normal inhaled and exhaled air.     

Infectivity titers of adenovirus type 5 suspensions after exposure to cigarette smoke.

Suspension of adenovirus type 5 in 2.0 ml of cell culture fluid at 37 degrees C were subjected to smoke from four cigarettes over a 4-h period. The cigarettes were smoked in a normal manner, and the inhaled smoke was exhaled through glass tubing into the virus-containing fluid. The virus suspensions were then titrated, using monolayer cultures of HEp-2 cells. Smoke from filter-tipped or regular cigarettes caused a 2- to 3-log drop in titer of tissue culture infectious doses of adenovirus type 5 per 0.1 ml of virus suspension. No reductions in titers were observed with parallel suspensions of the virus subjected to normal inhaled and exhaled air.     

Efficient propagation of measles virus in suspension cultures.

Suspension cultures of a human prostate cell line (MA160) supported abundant growth of the Edmonston strain of measles virus. The virus yields obtained with these suspension cultures (150 to 800 PFU/cell) were at least 20- to 100-fold higher than those frequently reported in the literature. Monolayer cultures of MA160 cells did not support a virus replication nearly as efficiently (progeny yield, 25 PFU/cell).     

Comparison of Various Methods for Preparation of Viral Serological Antigens from Infected Cell Cultures

In efforts to prepare more potent and sensitive viral serological antigens, several aspects of the production of antigens from infected cell cultures were studied. Antigens derived from whole, infected culture material and from the cellular and fluid phases were compared. Freezing and thawing, sonication, and alkaline buffer extraction were compared for effectiveness in releasing antigen from host cells. The effect of the multiplicity of infection on titers of viral antigens produced in cell cultures was studied. Generally, higher titered antigens were derived from the infected cells than from the culture fluids, but for certain viruses complement-fixing (CF) antigens derived from the culture fluids gave higher antibody titers than did cell-associated antigens. With each virus-host cell system studied, treatment with alkaline buffers extracted appreciable amounts of CF antigen from the host cells, but in some instances more antigen was released by freezing and thawing or by sonication. Extraction of infected cells with alkaline buffers was not a satisfactory method for preparation of hemagglutinating (HA) antigens for any of the viruses studied. The highest-titered HA antigens were produced from infected cells disrupted by freezing and thawing or sonication. The highest titered CF and HA antigens were produced from cell cultures infected at multiplicities of one or greater. Complement-fixing antigens produced by infecting cells in suspension and then planting had lower titers than antigens produced in parallel by infecting developed monolayers. Optimal methods are summarized for preparation of serological antigens to a variety of viruses of man.     

Observations of Measles Virus Infection of Cultured Human Cells : I. A Study of Development and Spread of Virus Antigen by Means of Immunofluorescence

The development of measles virus in cultures of both primary human amnion cells and H.Ep.-2 cells has been followed by means of the indirect fluorescent antibody technic and concurrent light and electron microscope observations. The immunofluorescence studies revealed that there is a latent period for development of demonstrable measles virus antigen. In amnion cells the latent period lasted for at least 3 days. In contrast, virus antigen could be detected in H.Ep.-2 cells as early as 12 hours following inoculation. In each cell system virus antigen was seen in either nucleus or cytoplasm of infected cells, or both. Early localization tended to be perinuclear. Intranuclear fluorescence was generally less bright and less widespread than cytoplasmic fluorescence. Giant cells and long cytoplasmic spindle-shaped processes appeared regularly in infected cultures. Infectious virus was liberated into the nutrient fluid but when extracellular virus was inhibited by antibody, spread of infection from cell to cell in the monolayer still continued. Results obtained in concurrent electron microscope studies will be presented separately. Correlation of the results of the immunofluorescence and electron microscope studies suggests the possibility that much of the immunofluorescence observed might be due to antigen in virus precursors or components.     

Rapid production of wheat cell suspension cultures directly from immature embryos

The aim of this study was to produce suspension cultures of winter wheat directly from immature embryos bypassing the callus stage, and to determine their capacity for growth and regeneration in comparison to suspension cultures produced from callus. The study was carried out using Polish winter wheat varieties: ‘Grana’ and ‘Rosa’. Immature embryos were isolated, homogenized and transferred directly to liquid medium supplemented with 2,4-D. Actively dividing cell cultures were obtained within 2 months after the cultures were started. Suspension cultures from callus of immature embryos was also produced. With both cultivars, faster growth was observed in the suspension cultures produced directly from embryos than in the suspensions produced from callus. Metabolic activity was higher in the suspension culture produced directly from embryos than in the suspension derived from callus only in ‘Grana’. The production of 1-amiocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC), an ethylene precursor, was lower in the suspension cultures produced directly from embryos than in the suspensions produced from callus. Morphogenic capacity was significantly higher in aggregates derived directly from embryos than in aggregates derived from callus. With ‘Rosa’, about one third of the aggregates derived directly from embryos regenerated shoots. Production of ACC was lower in ‘Rosa’ cell culture that regenerated then in other cell cultures that did not. Photosystem II reactions were more efficient in dark green aggregates than in light green or pale green aggregates which were unable to regenerate. With the method presented, wheat cell suspension cultures with a regeneration potential can be produced in 2 or 3 months less time than with traditional methods.     

Effects of dibutyryl cyclic AMP on tyrosine uptake and metabolism in neuroblastoma cultures

A series of thin-layer Chromatographic (TLC) systems were employed to study the effects of dibutyryl cyclic AMP (db-cAMP) on the metabolism of ³H-tyrosine in neuroblastoma cultures. The neuroblastoma monolayer cultures incubated with radiolabelled tyrosine synthesized di-hydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA), dopamine (DA), and norepinephrine (NE), in confirmation of previous reports identifying these compounds in neuroblastoma cultures. In addition, we found evidence suggesting the presence of metabolites of DA and NE, that is, homovanillic acid (HVA) and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) together with 3-methoxy-4-hydroxymandelic acid (VMA). When these cultures were grown in the presence of db-cAMP for 3 days, tyrosine uptake was increased with a proportional increase in tyrosine hydroxylation. This effect persisted in the absence of db-cAMP, but it was not apparent with only 90 min exposure to db-cAMP. Suspension cultures showed the same baseline level of tyrosine uptake as did monolayer cultures, but the uptake in suspension cultures failed to increase with db-cAMP treatment. It is suggested that the db-cAMP induced differentiation of the neuroblastoma cells in monolayer cultures was associated with induction of a tyrosine uptake system.     

Persistent infection of a rat kidney cell line with Rauscher murine leukemia virus

Duc-Nguyen, Huu (National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Md.), Edith N. Rosenblum, and Robert F. Zeigel. Persistent infection of a rat kidney cell line with Rauscher murine leukemia virus. J. Bacteriol. 92:1133-1140. 1966.-The propagation of a murine leukemia virus (Rauscher) in a kidney cell line, derived from a rat with lymphoid leukemia, was studied. A complement-fixing (CF) antigen reacting with Rauscher immune sera was detected at various passage levels, which correlated with the visualization by use of electron microscopy of viral buds and viral particles in different stages of maturation in all passages. Five-month-old monolayers continued to shed virus and to yield high CF antigen titers. The cell-free supernatant fluid from cultures of the 14th passage was shown to be infectious for a normal rat kidney cell line, as evidenced by the appearance of the CF antigen in this line. Interferon production was not demonstrated in infected cultures. The overall data indicated that rat kidney cells could be used to propagate Rauscher virus in a carrier state.     

Evaluation of Factors Related to Growth of Rift Valley Fever Virus in Suspended Cell Cultures

The effect of several controlled variables on the peak titer and fold increase of Rift Valley fever virus grown in suspension culture on two variants of Earle's L cell, L-DR and L-MA clone 1-1, was studied. No significant amount of cell-associated virus was found at 24 hr, indicating a release of virus soon after its formation. Mild sonic treatment of the virus produced in serum-free medium increased the infective titer about 10x. This difference was not observed with virus produced in medium supplemented with serum. Peak titer was not affected by medium used during the infection period, by multiplicity of inoculum (MOI), or by initial cell concentration within the test range of 10(4) to 2 x 10(6) cell/ml. Cell strain employed influenced titer, because the L-DR cell did not produce virus efficiently at low MOI and low initial cell concentration. The time of peak titer and fold replication was dependent on MOI and initial cell concentration. Differences in virus propagation in monolayer and suspension systems are discussed.     

Embryogenic suspension cultures of Pinus nigra Arn.: growth parameters and maturation ability

Suspension cultures have been established from embryogenic tissues of Pinus nigra initiated from immature zygotic embryos. The growth of tissues in liquid medium has been influenced by initial tissue weight used for the establishment of the cultures as well as by genotype. In most of the cases initial tissue weight 0.5 g was insufficient and the cultures showed poor growth and later degeneration. Higher amount of initial tissues (1 or 2.5 g) was more efficient for the establishment and proliferation of somatic embryos in liquid medium. The growth of suspension cultures was also cell line dependent. Somatic embryo maturation in liquid medium was very limited and no plantlet regeneration occurred. Cotyledonary somatic embryos developed and produced emblings when the suspension was plated on filter paper discs and cultured on solid maturation medium. Based on our experiments we can state that the embryogenic tissues are able to grow and proliferate in liquid medium but somatic embryo maturation and plantlet regeneration occur only on solid medium.     

The application of different cell lines and virus strains for detection of immunofluorescence rubella antibodies.

Fluorescence antibodies (FA) were titrated in human sera against antigens synthesized in four different infected cell lines: SIRC, RK-13, Vero and BHK-21. The cells infected in suspension by rubella virus attained the optimal concentration of fluorescence staining antigen earlier, fluorescence was more intensive and the titers of the tested human sera were slightly higher than in monolayer cell cultures. FA titers were high and they were correlated with the antibody titers obtained by hemagglutination-inhibition test. Some practical implications of these findings are discussed.     

Inactivated Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis Vaccines Prepared in Monolayer and Concentrated Suspension Chick Embryo Cultures

Eastern equine encephalomyelitis vaccines were prepared with virus propagated in stationary monolayer cultures and in concentrated suspension cultures of primary chick embryo cells. Virus pools for vaccine preparation were inactivated by three different methods: 0.05% formalin, 41 C heat, and 0.16% beta-propiolactone. Heat-and beta-propiolactone-inactivated vaccines maintained high hemagglutinating titers in the fluid state for at least 10 months, whereas formalin-inactivated vaccines lost their hemagglutinating activity within a few hours after treatment. The hemagglutinin of beta-propiolactone-inactivated virus particles was more dense than the hemagglutinin of the parent virus particles, as determined by sucrose density gradient centrifugation. The increase in density may be due to the degradation or removal of the lipid from the virus envelope. When administered to guinea pigs, all three vaccines stimulated hemagglutination-inhibiting, complement-fixing, and neutralizing antibodies and afforded protection against a live virus challenge. Test results showed that vaccines prepared with virus propagated in concentrated suspension cultures were more immunogenic and stimulated greater serologic responses in guinea pigs than vaccines derived from monolayer-propagated virus. The beta-propiolactone-inactivated vaccine was most protective, the heat-inactivated (41 C) vaccine next, and the formalin-inactivated vaccine least potent.     

Changes in Deoxyribonucleic Acid Synthesis Regulation in Chinese Hamster Cells Infected with Simian Virus 40

Infection of primary or secondary cultures of Chinese hamster embryo cells with simian virus 40 at a multiplicity of 20 to 50 induced synthesis of the virus-specific intranuclear T antigen in 80 to 90% of the cells within 48 to 72 hr. In the infected cultures, 30 to 50% more cells were recruited into deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) synthesis than in the controls, whether or not the cultures were confluent. The newly synthesized DNA was mostly cellular, since little virus was produced (as shown by various techniques: immunofluorescence for viral antigen, virus growth curves, and isolation of viral DNA from infected cultures). Transformed cells could be detected a few weeks after infection and produced tumors when inoculated into irradiated animals. Chromosomal changes were observed soon after infection (24 hr). Initially, there was a marked increase in the proportion of polyploid cells (8 to 14%), most of which were chromosomally normal. In a few weeks, a large majority of the infected population was polyploid (30 to 50%). Thus, the polyploid cells have the ability to proliferate. Evidence is presented to suggest that polyploid cells arise by stimulation of cells in the G(1), G(2), or S phases to undergo two or more successive periods of DNA synthesis without an intervening mitosis. With a subsequent loss or redistribution of chromosomal material, this may lead eventually to a biologically transformed cell; thus, it is suggested that the initial event(s) relevant to transformation occurs at the level of control of cellular DNA synthesis.