Developing cell-free protein synthesis systems: a focus on mammalian cells

Sophisticated cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) systems have been developed as an alternative to recombinant expression in cultured cells. In this review, we present advances in the field of mammalian-based CFPS by highlighting recently established systems derived from mouse fibroblasts, HeLa, hybridoma, CHO and K562 cells. We further highlight ongoing challenges in the field of mammalian-based CFPS, such as the optimization of already established platforms and the development of novel systems in order to further increase protein yields and reduce manufacturing costs while facilitating the synthesis of a huge number of biologically active target proteins. Advances in mammalian-based CFPS shall expand the number of future applications of CFPS in the area of pharmaceutical research and development.