Virus Culture Fundamentals: Methods and Strategies for Viral Propagation
February 18, 2021, at 12:00 PM ETAbstract
Viruses are pathogenic intracellular organisms that require living cells in order to multiply. The successful replication of these infectious particles in the laboratory depends on specific tools and processes; however, even the most experienced virologist can encounter issues when culturing different viral species. At ATCC, the Manufacturing Science and Technology (MSAT) Virology Department tackles new viral product manufacturing and troubleshooting and performs product improvement research. In this presentation, MSAT virologists will provide an in-depth look at the various methods employed in viral propagation and will go over the basic strategies used at ATCC to improve the quality of existing viral products.
Key Points
- ATCC cultures viruses with several basic propagation types (e.g., lytic, cell-associated, persistently infected cells, egg propagation).
- Multiple tools and processes are used to optimize protocols, including multiplicity of infection (MOI) optimization.
- ATCC authenticates and tests each virus to make sure we are distributing the highest quality products to our customers.
- ATCC uses numerous strategies for troubleshooting (e.g., mycoplasma cleanup, failure to grow, adaptation to new host cells).
Presenters
Adria Allen, MS
Senior Biologist, ATCC
Adria Allen is a Senior Biologist in the Manufacturing Science and Technology (MSAT) Virology department of ATCC. She graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in 2015 with an MS in Public Health with a concentration in infectious disease. Adria honed her microbiology skills as a medical technologist at Quest Diagnostics. She joined MSAT Virology in 2019 and brought with her extensive experience in the isolation, study, manufacturing, and quality control testing of viruses in academic, clinical, and biotechnology settings.
Alexander Piccirillo, MS
Senior Biologist, ATCC
Alex Piccirillo is a Senior Biologist in the Manufacturing Science and Technology (MSAT) Virology department at ATCC. He graduated from George Mason University with an MS in Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. Alex joined MSAT in 2018, where he works hands-on with numerous cell lines and virus strains. Working in MSAT has allowed Alex to further his knowledge and training using innovative tools and technologies while the daily R&D work that MSAT does challenges him to think outside-the-box for troubleshooting problems that occur in the laboratory.
Megan Yockey, BS
Senior Biologist, ATCC
Megan Yockey is a Senior Biologist in the Manufacturing Science and Technology (MSAT) Virology department at ATCC. She graduated from North Carolina State University with degrees in Biochemistry and Chemistry in 2011. Megan joined MSAT Virology in 2019 and brought with her 12 years of research experience in virology and bacteriology, with 3 years of specialized experience working with influenza viruses. Working with ATCC’s diverse portfolio of bacteria and viruses has given Megan an encyclopedic knowledge of both of these areas of microbiology.
