The ZKBS cell line list and the TRBA 468

In many research areas Cell lines of human or animal origin are used for genetic engineering purposes. These cell lines are then Risk group 1 as long as they are not contaminated with viruses, bacteria, parasites, or prions. In the case of known contamination, the classification of the corresponding cell line is then based on the risk group of the respective virus, bacterium, etc.

The Central Commission for Biological Safety (ZKBS) maintains a list of cell lines used as donor and recipient organisms in genetic engineering and for which a risk assessment has already been carried out. The further descriptions serve to ZKBS list also serves as a source of information and assistance for project managers and approval authorities. For example, one can find information on genetic modification that has already taken place and also information on a proven Virus contamination . In these cases, the risk assessment of the respective cell line includes the potential threat of the virus to the legal interests pursuant to Section 1 of the GenTG. If new virus contaminations of a cell line are detected, this can (as recently in In the case of the BA/F3 line , this could lead to an upgrade of the cell line and a corresponding update of the ZKBS list.

Also in the TRBA 468 A variety of cell lines of eukaryotic origin (excluding fungi) are listed and the protection level is determined according to Biological Agents Ordinance (BiostoffV) for work with these cell lines. It is important to note that for the assignment to a protection level according to the BiostoffV, only the hazard potential for humans/employees is taken into account, but not for animals, plants, or the environment. If there is no contamination with viruses, work with the cell lines in the Protection level 1 In the "Additional Biological Agent" column, TRBA 468 also lists known viral contaminations of cell lines, which may then lead to an increased level of protection for activities involving these cell lines. The footnote "G" in TRBA 468 indicates when the ZKBS classifies certain cell lines differently for use in genetic engineering work. A further column in TRBA 468 recently added indicates whether the listed cell line is a GMO.

The cell line list of ZKBS as well as the TRBA 468 are freely accessible online.