Phoenix (tool)

RRID:SCR_003163

A second-generation retrovirus producer lines for the generation of helper free ecotropic and amphotropic retroviruses. The lines are based on the 293T cell line (a human embryonic kidney line transformed with adenovirus E1a and carrying a temperature sensitive T antigen co-selected with neomycin). The unique feature of this cell line is that it is highly transfectable with either calcium phosphate mediated transfection or lipid-based transfection protocols-- up to 50% or higher of cells can be transiently transfected. The lines were created by placing into 293T cells constructs capable of producing gag-pol, and envelope protein for ecotropic and amphotropic viruses. The lines offered advantages over previous stable systems in that virus can be produced in just a few days. Academic and non-profit laboratories may obtain the Phoenix cells from either Allele Biotechnology or the National Gene Vector Bank. The vectors may be obtained from Addgene. They are no longer distributing these reagents from the lab.