Growth and the expression of the anti-ErbB2 scFv-Fc-IL2 fusion protein in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells were in association at 37 degrees C. The expression of the fusion protein was no more than 25 mu g/ml. At 30 degrees C the cell growth was arrested but the cells continued to produce the fusion protein up to 60 - 80 mu g/ml. About 50% of CHO cells were rapidly blocked in G2/M phase after the temperature was shifted from 37 to 30 degrees C. Lowering temperature resulted in cell growth arrest, but maintained cell viability for a longer time and enhanced the production of the antibody-IL-2 fusion protein in CHO cells.