Primary Swine Respiratory Epithelial Cell Lines for the Efficient Isolation and Propagation of Influenza A Viruses
Victoria Meliopoulos, Sean Cherry, Nicholas Wohlgemuth, Rebekah Honce, Karen N. Barnard, Phillip C. Gauger, Todd Davis, Peter Shult, Colin R. Parrish, Stacey Schultz‐Cherry
Abstract
culture systems for influenza virus are critically needed. MDCK cells, the most widely used cell line for influenza isolation and propagation, do not adequately model the respiratory tract. Therefore, many clinical isolates, both animal and human, are unable to be isolated and characterized, limiting our understanding of currently circulating influenza viruses. We have developed immortalized swine respiratory epithelial cells that retain the ability to differentiate and can support influenza replication and isolation. These cell lines can be used as additional tools to enhance influenza research and vaccine development.