AAV-293 Cells

The AAV-293 cell line is a permanent line established from primary embryonic human kidney transformed with human adenovirus type 5 DNA. The genes encoded by the E1 region of adenovirus (E1a and E1b) are expressed in these cells and participate in transactivation of viral promoters, allowing these cells to produce high levels of protein. AAV-293 is derived from the parental 293 cell line, through cloning and multiple rounds of testing, AAV-293 is specifically selected for a high level of AAV production in a helper-free system. It offers several advantages over the regular 293 cells: Larger cell surface area resulting higher transfection and better yield of AAV. The advantages are a flattened morphology, firm attachment to culture plate, and the cells are ideal for large-scale culture and AAV production. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) belongs to the family of Parvoviridae, a group of viruses among the smallest of single-stranded and non-enveloped DNA viruses. There are nine different AAV serotypes reported to date. AAV can infect both dividing and non-dividing cells and can be maintained in the human host cell, creating the potential for long-term gene transfer. Recombinant AAV-2 is the most common serotype used in gene delivery, and can be produced at high titers with a helper virus or AAV-293 cells.