The HEK293 cell line, derived from human embryonic kidney cells, has become a pivotal player in the biopharmaceutical industry. Compared to CHO cells, HEK293 cells possess the unique ability to replicate human glycostructures, making them ideal for producing recombinant proteins and viral vectors. This advantage stems from the specific glycosylation profile requirement of biotherapeutic products. While CHO cells lack key enzymes necessary for human-like glycosylation, advancements in glycoengineering may soon render HEK293 cells obsolete. By engineering CHO cells to produce glycoproteins with desired glycosylation profiles, the industry may witness a shift away from HEK293 as the preferred host cell. Despite this potential shift, the HEK293 cell line remains a crucial tool in biopharmaceutical manufacturing, with various subtypes and derivatives like HEK293-T and HEK293-F further enhancing its utility. Understanding the capabilities and limitations of HEK293 cells is essential for maximizing their potential in the production of cutting-edge biologics and biotherapeutics.
Read more from pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov