 |
Insect cells (Baculovirus vector)
Insect cell systems typically have many of the processing mechanisms for the post-translational modifications necessary for higher eucaryotic proteins, and can therefore be an interesting alternative to a mammalian cell culture system. However, post-translational modifications are not identical to higher systems, and the risk for incorrect glycosylation is inherent in this system.
The cost for an insect expression system is similar to a mammalian cell culture system. From a purification point of view this system offers the advantage of being a secretion system, which usually means that the purification problem will be less complex.
From a regulatory stand point, insect cell systems may offer an advantage over the mammalian since baculovirus cannot replicate, express, or integrate its genes in vertebrate (human) cells. Also, no transformed cells or transforming elements are required in this system.
Validation issues include baculovirus clearance, post-translational modifications and host cell proteins.
Advantages
- Secretion systems available
- Enable post translational modifications required for higher eucaryotic proteins
- High expression
- Baculovirus vectors are nonpathogenic to humans
Disadvantages
- Slow cell growth
- Expensive culture media
- Possibility of post-translational modifications not identical to higher systems
- Sensitive to shear forces
| |
 | |
|
| Read more about how to produce recombinant proteins with bacteria, mamalian cells, transgenics, and yeast. |
|
