Biological Characteristics and Viral Susceptibility of an African Green Monkey Kidney Cell Line (Vero) 1

Summary A continuous cell line derived from kidney tissue of the African green monkey (Cercopithecus aethiops), and designated as Vero, has been maintained and was studied at passage 107–165 levels for susceptibility to various viruses. Vero cells supported the growth of a number of viruses to high titers. Extensive cytopathic effects and plaque formation in Vero cell cultures make possible an efficient and reproducible direct technique for the demonstration of a number of viruses and of specific neutralizing antibodies. In addition, growth of a number of viruses (such as rubella, SV-5, and the Tacaribe group of viruses) to a high titer in a continuous simian cell line provides a convenient source of virus and antigen for other studies. Thus, the Vero cell line provides the virologist with another tool for diagnostic and research work, and perhaps offers advantages for large scale production of viral agents for vaccine.