Vero cells are a type of cell line that is commonly used in laboratory research to study the growth and behavior of viruses. Vero cells are derived from the kidney cells of an African green monkey and are known for their ability to support the growth of a wide range of viruses, including SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
There are several reasons why Vero cells are often used to study SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses. One reason is that Vero cells are relatively easy to grow and maintain in the laboratory, making them an attractive choice for researchers who want to study viruses over long periods of time.
Another reason is that Vero cells are known to support the replication of many different types of viruses, including those that infect humans and other animals. This makes them a useful tool for studying a wide range of infectious diseases and for testing the effectiveness of potential antiviral therapies.
Another unique feature of Vero cells is that they express the cellular receptor for SARS-CoV-2 (Ace2) and are interferon (IFN)-deficient, lacking the production of interferons, the antiviral signaling proteins typically produced by mammalian cells to fight viral infections.
Finally, Vero cells have also been used to produce vaccines and other biological products, making them a valuable resource for the development of new treatments and vaccines for infectious diseases.