Adenovirus Packaging Cell Line
BioInnovatise Viral Vector Team
Updated November 25, 2024
Adenovirus packaging depends heavily on selecting the right cell line to achieve high transfection efficiency and optimal viral production. HEK293T cells are the most widely used due to their ability to complement the E1 region of the adenoviral genome, essential for propagating most replication-deficient adenoviral vectors. However, other cell lines, such as PerC6 for large-scale clinical-grade production or A549 and Vero cells for specialized applications, provide distinct advantages tailored to specific research or production requirements.
Not sure which is best for your project? Our viral vector team at BioInnovatise is here to help you choose the ideal cell line for your adenovirus based research.
Read more about AAV packaging cell line, lentivirus packaging cell line, and retrovirus packaging cell line options.
Which Cell Lines Are Used for Adenovirus Packaging?
Adenoviruses are highly versatile and can infect a wide range of cell types, including dividing and non-dividing cells. The choice of cell line for adenoviral transduction depends on the specific experimental objectives, the nature of the target cells or tissues in a research or therapeutic setting, and the compatibility with the adenoviral vector’s characteristics and serotype.


The above diagram illustrates the adenovirus packaging process at BioInnovatise, where our team uses HEK293T cells for lentivirus packaging. Determining which cell line to use is important in the co-transfection step, but has downstream impacts, including titering. To learn more, read about our adenovirus packaging protocol.
Here are some commonly used cell lines for adenovirus production and transduction:
HEK293 (Human Embryonic Kidney 293) Cells: HEK293 cells and their derivatives, such as HEK293T (the “T” stands for transient transfection), are wcidely used due to their high transfection efficiency and ability to complement adenoviral E1 genes (E1A and E1B), which are deleted in most replication-deficient adenovirus vectors. Best for first generation adenovirus packaging.
HEK293T Cells: A derivative of HEK293 cells with the SV40 T-antigen that enables enhanced transfection efficiency due to the expression of the SV40 large T-antigen, which helps replicate vectors with SV40 origins. Best for adenovirus packaging with specific conditions requiring enhanced transfection capabilities.
PerC6 Cells: Human retina-derived cell line engineered to express adenoviral E1 region genes. PerC6 cells are optimized for large-scale production and generate high viral yields with good safety profiles. Good for large scale manufacturing for cGMP productions.
A549 Cells: Human alveolar epithelial cells derived from lung carcinoma. A549 cell lines are permissive to adenoviral infections and occasionally used for certain research applications. Best for early discovery research rather than preclinical, clinical or commercial adenovirus productions.
Vero Cells: Vero cells are derived from African green monkey kidney cells. This cell line is permissive to many types of viral infections, including adenoviruses. Sometimes used for alternative packaging needs. Best for adenovirus based research that involves specific serotypes.
What Are the Best Cell Lines for Packaging Adenovirus?
Figuring out what the best cell line for packaging adenovirus is depends on the research application. The HEK293T cell line is a very common cell line for packaging adenovirus because of its transfection and transduction efficiency. However, the above cell lines are all available for adenovirus based research.
If you’re unsure which adenovirus packaging cell line is right for you, contact our team.
Learn about our quick turnaround adenovirus packaging services.
Want to learn more about the latest in adenoviral based research? Our colleagues at ScienceDirect and Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News are always collecting and publishing the latest information on adenovirus based research.

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