Celebrating 40 years of cell cultures

ECACC’s history

Jim Cooper, European Collection of Authenticated Cell Cultures (ECACC’s) Operational Lead, looks back at the department’s fascinating history, the collection’s achievements and impact on the scientific community and public health.

Established in 1984 to support the research community ECACC has diversified over the last 40 years to become one of the most respected collections of authenticated cell cultures in the world.

ECACC’s journey began in the 1970’s when the field of cell culture was in its infancy. The Porton Microbiological Research Establishment (MRE) managed several small collections of cells for research purposes. Following the creation of the Centre for Applied Microbiology and Research (CAMR) in 1979, these collections were consolidated into the National Collection of Animal Cell Cultures (NCACC) to provide a centralised repository for disease research. Up until this point cell lines were obtained from friends and colleagues or from the American Type Cultures Collection (ATCC).

Funding from the Department of Trade and Industry helped create repository at Porton, and in 1985, the National Collection of Animal Cell Cultures became the European Collection of Animal Cell Cultures. The next decade was a period of scientific growth, leading to the development of a human genetics service and novel molecular identity tests. Many of the assays and techniques used within ECACC today were developed in this period. These technologies drove the adoption of pioneering automated nucleic acid extraction and sample processing for high throughput projects.

One of the most significant developments in the 2000s, however, was the establishment of the European Collection of Authenticated Cell Cultures Cryostore at Porton. A state-of-the-art facility housing more than thirty -196°C liquid nitrogen storage tanks was built, enabling cell lines to be stored long-term, in bulk, ready for international distribution. More recently, technological advances have also included the addition of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to the collection, with ECACC as the banking partner for the EBiSC stem cell collection, plus cell lines from the Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Initiative (HipSci).

The 2000s and 2010s heralded a period of organisational change, seeing ECACC become part of the Health Protection Agency in 2002, and subsequently Public Health England in 2014. Throughout this time the ECACC team have continued to share their knowledge and expertise with others, including the publication of the ‘Fundamental Techniques in Cell Culture Laboratory Handbook’ and a cell culture training DVD.

Throughout its existence, ECACC has provided cell culture training courses. By the 2000s these included workshops and forums around the world. The ‘fundamentals of cell culture’ course attracts a global audience and resumes this year for external delegates following a break due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Leading role during the COVID-19 pandemic

For those who may not know, the ECACC team supported Public Health England’s national COVID-19 response from early 2020. ECACC cell lines, especially VERO derivatives, were in high demand to cultivate the SARS-cov-2 virus ‘in the lab’. ECACC was able to manufacture the additional supply, despite many staff having been deployed to pandemic operations, helping with the establishment of new laboratories in the Porton Henderson Wing, whilst undertaking PCR testing and serology.

Once lockdown restrictions were lifted and life began to return to normal it was evident that ECACC required a renaissance. New laboratory space was needed to ensure the collection could continue to support the newly formed UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

ECACC has now been revived in new laboratories with shared office space under one roof with a rejuvenated team and high hopes for a future committed to supporting the scientific community while protecting public health. The AuthentiCell^TM STR Profiling service was recently launched to support researchers identify misidentified and cross contaminated cell lines and ECACC is actively focusing on ways in which its exceptional capability can be used to support UKHSA in preventing, preparing for, and responding to emerging global pandemic threats.

You can find out more about the ECACC and keep up to date with our 40^th anniversary celebrations on the Culture Collections website and our social media channels:

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