HEK-293A is a human cell line derived from embryonic kidney cells. It was developed in the early 1970s and is widely used in biological research and biotechnology. The cells are known for their ability to grow rapidly and efficiently produce proteins, making them valuable for various applications, including vaccine development and gene therapy. These cells are particularly useful for transfection experiments, where foreign DNA is introduced into the cells. HEK-293A cells are often used to study gene expression, protein interactions, and cellular responses, contributing significantly to advancements in molecular biology and pharmacology.