Abstract
<jats:p>The identification of an optimized cellular platform for the propagation of influenza viruses remains a core aim in vaccine development strategies and study of influenza viruses. Worldwide, MDCK cells represent the most used cellular platform for influenza virus cultivation. This study evaluates two MDCK-derived cell lines: MDCK-SIAT1, generated by transfection with SIAT1, and MDCK-VHG, engineered through STAT1 knockout. Influenza A and B strains were propagated in parallel on parental MDCK and the two modified cell lines, and viral yield was assessed using haemagglutination (HA), ELISA‑based microneutralization (MN‑ELISA), and colorimetric cytopathic effect–based microneutralization (MN‑CPE) assays. While no significant advantages were observed for influenza B strains when using the modified cell lines compared with parental MDCK cells, MDCK‑VHG cells demonstrated a clear benefit for influenza A strains, enabling higher viral titres and reduced propagation times. These findings indicate MDCK‑VHG cells as a valid alternative platform for enhanced influenza A virus propagation.</jats:p>