Cloning of the canine RNA polymerase I promoter and establishment of reverse genetics for influenza A and B in MDCK cells

Abstract excerpt

BACKGROUND: Recent incidents where highly pathogenic influenza A H5N1 viruses have spread from avian species into humans have prompted the development of cell-based production of influenza vaccines as an alternative to or replacement of current egg-based production. Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells are the primary cell-substrate candidate for influenza virus production but an efficient system for the direct...