HEK293 cells are a specific type of human cell line that originated from kidney cells of a human embryo in the early 1970s. They are widely used in biological research and biotechnology due to their ability to grow quickly and be easily manipulated in the laboratory. These cells are particularly valuable for studying gene expression, protein production, and the effects of drugs. Researchers often use HEK293 cells to produce recombinant proteins and to develop vaccines, making them an essential tool in modern biomedical research.