Applications of small molecules in modulating productivity and product quality of recombinant proteins produced using cell cultures.

Abstract Mammalian cell cultures have been used extensively for production of recombinant protein therapeutics (monoclonal antibodies, fusion proteins, enzymes, etc.) for decades. Small molecules have been investigated as media supplements to improve process productivity and reduce the cost of goods. Those chemicals can lead to significant yield improvement through different mechanisms such as cell cycle modulation, cellular redox regulation, etc. In addition to productivity, small molecules have also been routinely used to regulate post-translational modifications of recombinant proteins. This review summarizes key applications of small molecules in the improvement of protein productivity and product quality control.