Relationship between cell proliferation, cell cycle phase and retroviral vector production in FLYRD 18 HUMAN packaging cells

The relatively low concentrations of retroviral vectors produced by most packaging cells requires the optimization and intensification of their production to make a commercially viable product for gene therapy. While a number of reports exist concerning target cell-cycle effects on retroviral vector infection efficiency, no studies have been reported on the effects of packaging cell cycle on vector production. We have studied the effect of proliferation of the human packaging cell line, FLYRD18, on vector production. In addition, the titer levels of vector produced by cells in each phase of the cell cycle were compared. Numerous studies suggested progression of the cells through the cell cycle to be essential for vector production. However, vector release was found not to be predominant in any particular phase of the cell cycle. These findings indicate that packaging cell proliferation is important for optimal virus production and that arrest of the cells in any particular phase of the cell cycle affords no benefits in retroviral vector production. In contrast to previous reports (using other cell lines), we observed no temporary inhibition of cell cycle progression after detachment of cells from their substratum and that virus production occurred immediately after re-plating of the cells. The findings in this report are important for determining the optimal culture conditions for vector production by packaging cells in vitro. (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.