The most commonly used insect cell lines are derived from the larvae of the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) and the tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta). These cell lines are chosen for their ability to grow rapidly and their capacity to express foreign genes efficiently. The cells are typically cultured in a nutrient-rich medium and maintained at a constant temperature and humidity to ensure optimal growth.
Insect cell lines can be transformed with foreign genes using various methods, such as transfection or stable integration. Once transformed, the cells can be used to produce large quantities of the desired protein. The proteins produced in insect cell lines are often post-translationally modified in a manner similar to that in the insect's natural environment, making them more similar to the native protein than those produced in other cell types, such as mammalian cells.
Insect cell lines offer several advantages over other cell types for protein production. They are relatively inexpensive to maintain, and the culture conditions are relatively simple compared to those required for mammalian cells. Additionally, insect cells can be grown in suspension cultures, which allows for easier scale-up and automation of the production process.
However, insect cell lines also have some limitations. They may not be suitable for the production of proteins that require complex post-translational modifications or specific cellular environments. Additionally, the use of insect cell lines for the production of therapeutic proteins is limited by the potential for immune responses in humans.