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Sensitivity of a Novel Lizard-Derived Cell Line (Z1) to Measles, Rubella and Respiratory Syncytial Viruses Publisher



Shahkarami MK1 ; Lotfi M2 ; Salimi V3 ; Namavari MM4 ; Soleimani S2 ; Yousefi AR5
Authors
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Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Human Viral Vaccines Department, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (Areeo), Karaj, Iran
  2. 2. Quality Control Department, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (Areeo), Karaj, Iran
  3. 3. Virology Department, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  4. 4. Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Shiraz Branch, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (Areeo), Shiraz, Iran
  5. 5. Department of Pathology and Experimental Animals, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran

Source: Archives of Razi Institute Published:2025


Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the sensitivity of the Z1 cell line to measles, rubella, and respiratory syncytial viruses (RSVs), and to observe the subsequent cytopathic effects (CPEs) that result from these viruses. The study sought to determine the potential of the Z1 cell line as a suitable alternative for more efficient isolation and identification of these viruses, as well as for conducting quality control tests, such as potency tests and the production of biological products, including diagnostic antigens. The Z1 cell lines were prepared in disposable cell culture flasks and were inoculated with Measles, Rubella, and Respiratory Syncytial Viruses at defined multiplicity of infection. Vero-WHO, Rabbit Kidney-13 (RK-13), and Hep-2 cell lines were also prepared as standard cell substrates and were inoculated with measles, rubella, and respiratory syncytial viruses, respectively. The quality and quantity of CPE formation, i.e., the microscopic signs of viral replication, were observed daily in the test and control cell lines. Samples were collected for the purpose of calculating the titer of progeny viruses, which was then used to compare the viral yield. An interference test using the Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) was also performed to confirm the replication of Rubella in the Rubella-inoculated cell cultures. In the case of Measles Virus, a significant difference was observed between viral yield in Z1 and Vero-WHO cells. A similar outcome was observed for the Rubella virus, with significant disparities in viral yield observed between Z1 and RK-13 cells. However, when Respiratory Syncytial Virus was inoculated into the Z1 and Vero-WHO cells, no significant differences in viral yield were observed. Consequently, the Z1 cell line emerges as a promising substitute for Hep-2 cells, particularly for the isolation and propagation of Respiratory Syncytial Virus. However, it should be noted that the Z1 cell line exhibits a higher susceptibility to Measles Virus. However, the Z1 cell line was not found to be a suitable substrate for the propagation of Rubella Virus. Copyright © 2023 by Razi Vaccine & Serum Research Institute.