Effect of Culture Conditions on Glycosylation of Recombinant beta-Interferon in CHO Cells

Abstract

CHO cells that produce human recombinant beta-interferon (β-IFN) have been grown under several different culture conditions in an attempt to increase the yields of the therapeutic glycoprotein whilst maintaining consistent glycosylation and minimizing intermolecular aggregation. Supplementation of cultures with either sodium butyrate or sodium chloride increases the productivity of β-IFN. However, sodium butyrate alters the glycosylation profile with an increase in the proportion of more highly branched complex Nlinked glycans. A shift in temperature during the culture period from 37°C to 30°C maintains consistent glycosylation of β-IFN for long culture periods with increased overall productivity and reduced aggregation compared to 37°C cultures. The use of Cytopore 1 microcarriers that entrap the cells also increases volumetric productivity of non-aggregated β-IFN while maintaining consistent glycosylation throughout the culture period.