Cell fusion techniques were used to derive mammalian host cell lines suitable for large-scale production of therapeutic proteins. Although the 293S cell line, of human embryonic kidney origin, is an excellent host cell for mammalian gene expression, these cells have a tendency to form large and tight aggregates in suspension cultures and bioreactors. To solve the problem of aggregation, 293S cells were fused to a human suspension cell line, 2B8 (a Burkitt’s lymphoma derivative), using polyethylene glycol (PEG). The PEG-treated 293S and 2B8 cells were selected in a medium supplemented with hypoxanthine-aminopterin-thymidine and G418 (1 mg/ml) to eliminate nonfused cells. These hybrid clones, designated as HKB (hybrid of kidney and B cells), are negative for endogenous immunoglobulin expression. Most clones are readily adaptable to serum-free suspension culture under shaking conditions without forming large and tight aggregates. One clone, HKB11, was shown to support high-level expression of cytokines [interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-4], ICAM-1 and rFVIII in a side-by-side comparison with 293 and Chinese hamster ovary cells. The above-described characteristics of HKB cells indicate that HKB11 is a favorable cell host for the production of human therapeutic proteins.

Keywords:
Somatic hybrid, HKB11, Human cell host
This content is only available via PDF.
© 2002 National Science Council, ROC and S. Karger AG, Basel
2002
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.