Immortalized chick embryo cell line adapted to serum-free growth conditions and capable of replicating human and reassortant H5N1 influenza strains for vaccine production

► A serum-free version of an immortalized chick embryo cell line (PBS-12SF) is derived. ► Data are presented showing the new cell line exhibits receptors for human and avian influenza. ► We demonstrate that PBS-12SF cells grow human and reassortant influenza to high titers. ► These cells should prove useful for production of influenza vaccines and diagnostics.