The risk of unintentional propagation of poliovirus can be minimized by using human cell lines lacking the functional CD155 gene.

After eradication and containment of wild poliovirus (PV) and cessation of oral polio vaccinations, it is critical to minimize the risk of reintroducing PV into PV-free communities via facilities that handle the virus. The potential risk of unintentional PV propagation through unidentified contaminated materials is a serious issue. This study reports the generation of HeLa and RD-A cells deficient in functional CD155 gene (∆PVR cells); these cells are not susceptible to PV but remain susceptible to other picornaviruses. These ∆PVR cells will minimize the risk of unintentional transmission of PV and support performing the experiments more safely.