Quality assurance for cell substrates

Animal cell lines are increasingly used in the manufacture of viral vaccines. They may play a key role in the preparation of seed stock virus and vaccine production. However, the same animal cell substrates may also be used for diagnosis of viral infection and surveillance of prevalent virus strains. Quality control of cell lines intended for use in this range of procedures is vital to ensure the absence of contaminating organisms and correct identity of the substrate cells used. Furthermore, the qualification and validation of the procedures, facilities and staff involved in the cell culture and testing are also important issues addressed in regulatory guidelines and regulations. The standards to which these activities are performed are dependent on whether the cells are intended for diagnostic and surveillance work or for seed stock virus isolation and production. This paper indicates when and how some of the relevant quality standards and quality control issues apply to cell lines intended for the different procedures involved in virus isolation and vaccine production.