Avian, diploid cell lines, EBx, that are non-tumorigenic, immortal and non-transformed are new. Avian, diploid cell lines, EBx, that are non-tumorigenic, immortal and non-transformed are new. They are characterized by: the round, compact morphology of avian embryonal stem cells with high nucleus:cytoplasm ratio population doubling time 15-30, preferably 16-24, hours endogenous alkaline phosphatase and telomerase activities and reaction with antibodies specific for: (i) the markers SSEA-1 (TEC01) and EMA-1 and (ii) cell-surface receptors that contain the oligosaccharides SAalpha 2-3 and SAalpha 2-6. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) method for producing influenza virus (IV) by replication in EBx (2) method for producing a viral vaccine from IV prepared by method (1) (3) method for preparing antigenic surface proteins (A) from intact IV, prepared by method (1) and (4) vaccines against influenza, killed or live, prepared either by method (2) or from (A). ACTIVITY : Virucide. No details of tests for virucidal activity are given. MECHANISM OF ACTION : Vaccine.
