Technology ID
TAB-4963

A Fundamental Tool for Efficient Recovery of RNA Viruses through Reverse Genetics

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E-Numbers
E-166-2020-0
Lead Inventor
Buchholz, Ursula (NIAID)
Applications
Vaccines­­­
Therapeutics
Therapeutic Areas
Infectious Disease
Immunology
Development Stages
Discovery
Research Products
Research Equipment
Lead IC
NIAID
ICs
NIAID

BSR T7/5 cells represent a foundational advancement in virology, offering a robust platform for the recovery of RNA viruses via reverse genetics. Established over 20 years ago, these cells have proven instrumental in the recovery of a wide array of RNA viruses, particularly those belonging to the mononegavirales order. By enabling the insertion of antigenome sequences into cDNA plasmids under a T7 RNA polymerase promoter, BSR T7/5 cells facilitate the transcription of RNA antigenomes and mRNA encoding RNP elements, leading to the assembly of infectious viruses. Notably, this system does not require helper viruses, and the cell line's permissiveness, attributed to the absence of a functional type 1 interferon response, makes it especially valuable for viruses replicating in the cytoplasm.

Commercial Applications
The applications of BSR T7/5 cells extend across various fields, offering immense potential in virology, vaccine development, and antiviral drug discovery. Their ability to efficiently recover RNA viruses through reverse genetics makes them invaluable for studying viral pathogenesis, host-virus interactions, and viral evolution. In vaccine development, these cells can be instrumental in generating attenuated or modified viruses for vaccine candidates, particularly for viruses that replicate in the cytoplasm. Furthermore, BSR T7/5 cells hold promise in antiviral drug screening, allowing researchers to evaluate the efficacy of antiviral compounds against a wide range of RNA viruses. Overall, the versatility and reliability of BSR T7/5 cells make them a key tool for advancing our understanding of RNA viruses and developing strategies to combat them.

Competitive Advantages
BSR T7/5 cells offer distinct competitive advantages over traditional methods for RNA virus recovery. Their efficiency in recovering RNA viruses from cDNA plasmids via reverse genetics surpasses that of other cell lines, particularly for members of the mononegavirales order. Unlike many existing approaches, the use of BSR T7/5 cells does not necessitate the presence of helper viruses, streamlining the recovery process. Additionally, the cell line's high permissiveness to RNA viruses, attributed to its lack of a functional type 1 interferon response, enhances the range of viruses that can be studied and recovered. These advantages make BSR T7/5 cells a superior choice for researchers seeking a reliable, efficient, and versatile platform for RNA virus recovery and study.