Characterization of a porcine lung epithelial cell line suitable for influenza virus studies

We established a porcine lung epithelial cell line designated St. Jude porc ine lung cells (SJPL) and demonstrated that all tested influenza A and B vi ruses replicated in this cell line. The infectivity titers of most viruses in SJPL cells were comparable to or better than those in MDCK cells. The pr opagation of influenza viruses from clinical samples in SJPL cells did not lead to antigenic changes in the hemagglutinin molecule. The numbers of bot h Sia2-3Gal and Sia2-6Gal receptors on SJPL cells were greater than those o n MDCK cells. Influenza virus infection of SJPL cells did not lead to apopt osis, as did infection of MDCK cells. No porcine endogenous retrovirus was detected in SJPL cells, and in contrast to MDCK cells, SJPL cells did not c ause tumors in nude mice.