Author
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Lynn, Dwight |
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Submitted to: Proceedings of the International Workshop on Prawn Cell Culture
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 11/1/1997 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: The history of insect cell culture dates back to the early part of this century but the greatest inroads have occurred since Tom Grace developed four continuous cell lines from the ovaries of the adult moth, Antherea pernyii. Two major factors led to Grace's success: 1) the formulation of a medium based on the physiology of the insect and 2) patience. Since that initial success, over 400 cell lines have been developed from more than 100 species of insects. These lines were developed from tissues as indistinct as embryos and whole larvae to specific ones such as dorsal vessels (heart) and imaginal discs (larval tissue destined to become adult body structures). One of the major rationales for developing insect cell cultures was for the study of insect viruses. This was particularly true for species of Lepidoptera from which over 900 viruses have been reported. Many Lepidoptera are serious pests of agriculture and forestry and a goal of researchers has been to develop diseases such as viruses as biological pesticides for their control. Since viruses require living cells to reproduce, cell cultures are a useful tool for their study. It has long been hoped (although not yet realized) that large-scale cell cultures could be used as a production tool for virus pesticides. The 35 years of experience in insect cell culture may provide clues for the development of prawn cell lines. In addition to a discussion of successful techniques and media that have been employed with insect cells, I will also discuss how continuous cultures can be used for the study and production of insect viruses and other pathogens. |
