Sf9 (cells)

Sf9 cells, a clonal isolate of Spodoptera frugiperda Sf21 cells (IPLB-Sf21-AE), are commonly used in insect cell culture for recombinant protein production using baculovirus. They were originally established from ovarian tissue.^[1] They can be grown in the absence of serum, and can be cultured attached or in suspension.^[2]

Phase contrast image of SF9 cells

Sf9 Rhabdovirus

It has previously been shown that some Sf9 cell lines harbor a negative sense Rhabdovirus called Spodoptera frugiperda rhabdovirus (SfRV).^[3][4] However, not all tested Sf9 cells appear to be infected with this virus.^[5] SfRV appears to be insect-specific and does not appear to infect mammalian cell lines.^[6]