Bibliographic update on cell and protein engineering

Introduction: bioprocessing is undergoing a revolution driven by innovations such as single-use systems and continuous bioprocessing. The direct approach to cell engineering is to introduce to or omit from the cell a gene or genes by genetic engineering methods to endow a particular phenotype in order to improve the cellular processes. Over three-quarters of therapeutic proteins are produced using Chinese hamster ovary cells, that raises as the most common cell line used. The aim was to characterize cell and protein engineering. Methods: a literature review was conducted, where 18 articles in English and Spanish were selected, published in the last five years on the subject, in databases such as: Scopus, PubMed, Springer. Results: deleting nonessential genes may increase the productivity by directing cellular resources toward product biosynthesis. Cell culture system provide controlled environments to study cellular process, mammalian cell cultures are valuable for virology, vaccine production, tissue regeneration, genetic engineering. The use of these modified cells is essential for producing recombinant proteins, antibodies and vaccines. Conclusions: cell and protein engineering raised as alternative tools for the development of specific therapies in cancer and immunologic diseases in the last few years. Recombinant protein production lay on areas as cell culture, mammalian cells for specific antibody expression, cell culture technologies and bioreactors as the corner stone for bioprocess.