Further Development of an Equine Cell Line that can be Propagated over 100 Times

• Published in: Journal of Equine Science Vol. 20; no. 2; pp. 11 - 14
• Main Authors: ANDOH, Kiyohiko, KAI, Kazushige, MATSUMURA, Tomio, MAEDA, Ken
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Japan Japanese Society of Equine Science 2009; Japan Science and Technology Agency; The Japanese Society of Equine Science
• Subjects: cell line; equine herpesvirus; equine herpesvirus; cell line
• ISSN: 1340-3516; 1347-7501
• DOI: 10.1294/jes.20.11

Cell lines originating from horses are necessary for isolation and propagation of equine herpesviruses (EHV). Although we established an equine-derived cell line, FHK-Tcl3, propagation ceased after fewer than 40 passages. In this study, FHK-Tcl3 cell propagation continued beyond 40 passages, achieving over 100 passages. FHK-Tcl3 cells were then cloned by limiting dilution at the 100th passage. Cloned cells were termed FHK-Tcl3.1. FHK-Tcl3.1 cells grew well and were propagated every 3 to 4 days by splitting 1:5. In addition, EHV-1, -2 and -4 showed a clear cytopathic effect (CPE) in FHK-Tcl3.1 cells, and this CPE was very similar to those seen in parental FHK-Tcl3 and primary fetal horse kidney cells. FHK-Tcl3.1 cells continue to propagate and the current passage record is over 100 times after cloning. Therefore, this cell appears to have been immortalized. FHK-Tcl3.1 cells have potential for growth and diagnosis of various equine viruses, including equine herpesviruses.