Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for increasing the
longevity of a
cell culture and permitting the increased production of proteins, preferably recombinant proteins, such as antibodies, peptides, enzymes, growth factors, interleukins, interferons, hormones, and vaccines. By transfecting cells in culture with an
apoptosis-inhibiting
gene or vector, cells in culture can survive longer, resulting in extension of the state and yield of
protein biosynthesis. Expression of the
apoptosis-inhibitor within the cells, because it does not kill the cells, allows the cells, or an increased fraction thereof, to be maintained in culture for longer periods. This invention then allows for controlled, enhanced
protein production of
cell lines for commercial and research uses, particularly the enhanced production of growth factors, interferons, interleukins, hormones, enzymes, and
monoclonal antibodies, and the like. The method preferentially involves eukaryotic cells in culture, and more advantageously mammalian cells in culture.