Chinese hamster ovary

Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells are a type of cell line derived from the ovary of the Chinese hamster, often used in biological and medical research and commercial applications. CHO cells are renowned for their utility in the production of therapeutic proteins and monoclonal antibodies, making them a cornerstone in the field of biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.

History

The CHO cell line was first established in the 1960s. It was derived from the ovary of an adult female Chinese hamster, which has since become a workhorse in the biotechnology industry due to its adaptability and ease of genetic manipulation. Over the years, several sublines of CHO cells have been developed, each with specific characteristics tailored to various applications.

Characteristics

CHO cells have several desirable characteristics that make them suitable for large-scale production of therapeutic proteins. These include:

• High growth rate and density in cell culture
• Ability to perform post-translational modifications similar to those in human cells, ensuring the biological activity of produced proteins
• Stable expression of recombinant genes
• Adaptability to suspension culture, which is essential for industrial-scale production

Applications

The primary application of CHO cells is in the production of recombinant DNA technologies, where they are used to express a wide range of therapeutic proteins, including hormones, enzymes, and antibodies. CHO cells are the host of choice for the majority of biopharmaceuticals approved for clinical use due to their ability to correctly fold, assemble, and modify human proteins.

Genetic Engineering

Advancements in genetic engineering have further enhanced the utility of CHO cells. Techniques such as CRISPR/Cas9 and TALENs have been employed to increase the yield, stability, and quality of the proteins produced. These modifications can also be used to create cell lines resistant to certain viruses or to adapt to serum-free culture media, reducing the cost and complexity of the production process.

Challenges

Despite their widespread use, CHO cells also present certain challenges. The complexity of scaling up from laboratory to industrial production requires careful optimization of culture conditions. Additionally, the post-translational modifications in CHO cells, while similar to those in humans, are not always identical, which can affect the efficacy and safety of the produced proteins.

Conclusion

CHO cells continue to be a vital resource in the production of biopharmaceuticals. Ongoing research and development aim to overcome existing challenges and expand their utility in the pharmaceutical industry. As biotechnology advances, the role of CHO cells in therapeutic protein production is likely to grow, underscoring their importance in modern medicine and biotechnology.