Nonhuman primate diploid cells for vaccine production

A cell line was established from male rhesus embryonic lung tissue in 1968. Tests for adventitious agents at every tenth passage were negative. The cells had diploid characteristics, and supported the growth of polio, rubella, and dengue viruses. Tests for latent RNA tumor viruses and tumorigenic potential were uniformly negative. A small clinical trial with rubella vaccine produced in these cells was conducted, and no major adverse reactions were reported. This cell line appears to meet all criteria of acceptability for a safe vaccine cell substrate.