Comparison of Characteristics between HEK293 and Namalwa Cell Cultures

초록

Various human cell lines have been developed as host cells for the production of humanized protein biopharmaceuticals, which have human glycosylation with higher efficacy and less immunogenicity. Among them, F2N78, a human somatic hybrid cell line, was known to have desirable characteristics considering the production and quality of glycoproteins. It was derived from a fusion of human embryonic kidney 293 cells (HEK293) and human Burkitt`s lymphoma cells (Namalwa). F2N78 has the advantages of both cell lines such as the high transfection efficacy of HEK293 and the capability of suspension culture of Namalwa. EBV genome is also inserted in Namalwa cells. Therefore, to compare the properties of HEK293 and Namalwa, culture characteristics of each cell line were investigated in this study. In addition, serum-free adaptation is necessary for HEK293 because it is an adherent cell line. Effects of major carbon and energy sources on each cell line and the accumulation of byproducts such as lactate and ammonia were compared. Utilization of hydrolysate instead of fetal bovine serum (FBS) was also examined. Apparent differences in metabolism were found between HEK293 and Namalwa cells. Furthermore, we could confirm the non-aggregating property of Namalwa cells. In conclusion, it was found that the characterization of human cells is necessary for the development of new hybrid human cell lines.