insectcell

Insectcell refers to a type of cell derived from insects. These cells are widely used in biological research and for the production of recombinant proteins, particularly for vaccine development. The ability of insect cells to perform complex post-translational modifications, such as glycosylation, makes them valuable for expressing eukaryotic proteins that require these modifications for proper function.

The most common system for utilizing insect cells is the baculovirus expression vector system (BEVS). In this system, insect cells are infected with a recombinant baculovirus, which carries a foreign gene encoding the desired protein. The baculovirus then directs the insect cell's machinery to produce large quantities of the foreign protein. This method has proven to be highly efficient and cost-effective for producing a wide range of proteins, including enzymes, antibodies, and viral antigens.

Several established insect cell lines are available for research and commercial applications. Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9 and Sf21) are among the most frequently used, originating from the fall armyworm. Trichoplusia ni (Tn-5B1-4, also known as High Five cells) is another popular choice, known for its ability to produce proteins with more complex glycosylation patterns. These cell lines are typically grown in suspension cultures in specialized growth media. The use of insect cells offers advantages over traditional mammalian cell systems, including faster growth rates, lower production costs, and reduced risk of contamination by human pathogens.