Tni-FNL: An Improved Trichoplusia Ni Cell Line for Protein Expression

Researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) have developed an improved insect cell line, Tni-FNL, derived from the cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni.  The Tni-FNL cell line is capable of high level expression of heterologous proteins using baculovirus-based expression systems.  When compared to commercially available cell lines used for the same purpose, the Tni-FNL cell line often outperforms those for protein expression.  These cells have a high growth rate and are capable of growth at a lower temperature. The complete genome sequence of the Tni-FNL cell line has been determined, opening the door to systems biology approaches to further improve the protein expression capabilities of the cell line. 

Competitive Advantages:

• In side-by-side comparisons with other insect cell lines, this cell line outperforms for protein production for several different proteins tested
• Cell line has a highly robust growth rate, including at lower temperatures
• Cell line genome sequence was determined to a coverage and accuracy far exceeding any other lepidopteran cell line or host organism

Commercial Applications:

• Research tool for production of protein
• Target organism for advanced systems biology approaches to improve protein production