HEK293T/17 Cells

The 293T/17 cell line is an immortalized variant of the HEK293 line, derived from human embryonic kidney cells and extensively utilized in research, particularly in the study and production of retroviral and lentiviral vectors. This cell line has been modified to express the SV40 large T antigen, enhancing its utility in viral vector production. The expression of the SV40 large T antigen is a key feature that allows these cells to replicate plasmids containing the SV40 origin of replication, significantly increasing the yield of plasmid DNA in transient transfection procedures. This feature is particularly beneficial for the production of viral vectors.

293T/17 cells are essential in the production of viral vectors like retroviruses and lentiviruses. They efficiently produce viral particles due to their ability to amplify transfected plasmids and support viral assembly and release. This makes them a vital tool in gene therapy research, where these vectors are used to deliver genetic material into host cells. The cells exhibit high transfection efficiency, crucial for the successful introduction and expression of foreign DNA during vector construction. This high efficiency enables the study of gene function and the generation of recombinant proteins effectively.

The robust capabilities of the 293T/17 cell line make it invaluable for both basic scientific research and therapeutic applications. It is widely used in molecular biology and genetic engineering for protein expression, gene function analysis, and the development of novel gene therapies. The cell line's efficiency in producing viral vectors facilitates experiments requiring genetic material delivery, making it a cornerstone in the field of virology. The 293T/17 cell line continues to play a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of gene function and developing therapeutic interventions.