The growing value of animal cells to humans

Animal cells grown in cell culture conditions play a pivotal role in both research and biomanufacturing, serving as essential tools for scientific discovery and the production of complex biological products. Their use spans a wide range of applications, from basic biological research to the production of vaccines, therapeutic proteins and food.
Animal Cells in Research
Animal cells are fundamental to biological research, providing insights into cellular processes, disease mechanisms, and the effects of drugs. Researchers use animal cell cultures to study the physiology and biochemistry of cells, which helps in understanding how cells grow, divide, and respond to external stimuli. This knowledge is crucial for developing new medical treatments and understanding diseases at a cellular level.
Animal cells are sometimes used as a bridge between in-vitro and in-vivo studies. One of the primary advantages of using animal cells in research is their ability to mimic the in vivo environment of living organisms. This allows scientists to study complex biological processes in a controlled setting. For instance, cancer research heavily relies on animal cell cultures to investigate tumor biology and test potential anti-cancer drugs. By observing how cancer cells grow and respond to treatments in vitro, researchers can identify promising therapeutic strategies before moving to animal models or clinical trials.
Moreover, animal cells are used in genetic engineering and biotechnology research. Techniques such as CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing are often first tested in animal cell cultures to understand gene function and regulation. These cells provide a platform for manipulating genes to study their effects, paving the way for advancements in gene therapy and personalized medicine. The most widely used animal models include mouse, rat, drosophila fruit fly, zebra fish and the C. elegans worm. All of these species also frequently provide cells for in-vitro cell based studies.
Animal Cells in Biomanufacturing
In biomanufacturing, animal cells are indispensable for producing complex biological products that cannot be synthesized chemically. This includes the production of vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, hormones, and enzymes. The ability of animal cells to perform post-translational modifications, such as glycosylation, makes them ideal for producing proteins that are biologically active and therapeutically effective. As well as mammalian cells, insect cells, such as Sf9 are increasingly used for drug manufacture.
Vaccine Production
Animal cell cultures are crucial in the development and production of vaccines. Traditional vaccine production often relied on chicken eggs, but cell-based methods offer several advantages, including faster production times and the ability to scale up quickly in response to pandemics. For example, cell-based influenza vaccines are produced using mammalian cell lines, which can be rapidly expanded to meet global demand.
Monoclonal Antibodies
Monoclonal antibodies are a cornerstone of modern therapeutics, used to treat a variety of diseases, including cancers, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases. Animal cells, particularly Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells, are the workhorses in the production of these antibodies. CHO cells are favored because they can grow in suspension cultures and perform human-like glycosylation, which is crucial for the efficacy and safety of therapeutic antibodies. The ability to produce large quantities of monoclonal antibodies in bioreactors has revolutionized the treatment landscape for many diseases, offering targeted therapies with fewer side effects compared to traditional drugs.
Hormones and Enzymes
Animal cells are also used to produce hormones such as insulin and growth factors, which are essential for treating conditions like diabetes and growth hormone deficiencies. Before the advent of recombinant DNA technology, insulin was extracted from animal pancreases, a process that was inefficient and posed risks of allergic reactions. Today, insulin is produced using genetically engineered animal cells, ensuring a consistent and safe supply.
Similarly, enzymes used in various industrial and medical applications are often produced in animal cell cultures. These enzymes are used in everything from laundry detergents to the treatment of genetic disorders, showcasing the versatility of animal cells in biomanufacturing.
Food production
Cultured meat is a nascent field which holds the promise of high-quality food without having to slaughter animals. The future of cultured meat remains uncertain due to technical, economic and cultural sensitivities.
Ethical Considerations
The use of animal cells in research and biomanufacturing also raises ethical considerations. While cell cultures reduce the need for live animal testing, the initial cell lines are often derived from animals. This has led to discussions about the ethical sourcing of these cells and the need for transparency in their use. Researchers are increasingly focusing on developing alternative methods, such as using human-derived cell lines or creating synthetic cells, to minimize ethical concerns.
IMAGE Holstein-Friesian milk cow CREDIT Keith Weller/FDA