Lead Inventor
Sandoval-Jaime, Carlos (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID/NIH))
Co-Inventors
Sosnovtsev, Stanislav (NIAID)
The HEK293T/T7 cell line is a novel development in virology research, particularly for studying human noroviruses. This cell line expresses the T7 RNA polymerase, a key enzyme used in reverse genetics systems. Unlike existing technologies, the HEK293T/T7 cell line offers the unique advantage of being able to produce functional T7 RNA polymerase, which is essential for driving transcription from T7 promoters. This capability opens up new possibilities for studying human noroviruses, which cannot be propagated in cell culture, and may facilitate the development of a reverse genetics system for these viruses. Overall, the HEK293T/T7 cell line represents a significant advancement in virology research and offers a valuable tool for researchers studying virus-host interactions and developing therapeutics or vaccines.
Commercial Applications
The HEK293T/T7 cell line has a wide range of potential applications in virology research and beyond. One key application is in the study of human noroviruses, where the cell line can facilitate the development of reverse genetics systems. This could lead to a better understanding of norovirus-host interactions and the development of novel therapeutics or vaccines. Additionally, the HEK293T/T7 cell line could be used in other virus research, where the T7 polymerase-driven transcription system is beneficial, such as in studying other viruses that are difficult to propagate in cell culture. Beyond virology, the HEK293T/T7 cell line's compatibility with existing methodologies for recombinant protein expression opens up possibilities for use in protein production and other biotechnology applications. Overall, the HEK293T/T7 cell line has the potential to significantly advance research in virology and related fields.
Competitive Advantages
The HEK293T/T7 cell line offers several competitive advantages over existing technologies. Firstly, it is the first stable HEK293T cell line expressing T7 polymerase, filling a gap in available tools for researchers. This novel cell line provides a platform for developing reverse genetics systems for viruses, such as human noroviruses, which cannot be propagated in conventional cell culture. Secondly, the expression of functional T7 RNA polymerase in HEK293T cells has been confirmed, demonstrating its utility in driving transcription from T7 promoters. This feature is crucial for studying virus-host interactions and developing therapeutics or vaccines against viruses. Lastly, the compatibility of HEK293T cells with existing methodologies for recombinant protein expression enhances the versatility and usability of the HEK293T/T7 cell line in various research applications. Overall, these competitive advantages position the HEK293T/T7 cell line as a valuable and innovative tool for virology research.
