EF1a-CD63-tdTomato Lentivirus

The EF1a-CD63-tdTomato lentiviral vector is a powerful molecular tool combining multiple advantages, suitable for biomedical research. This viral vector utilizes the human elongation factor 1α (EF1a) promoter to drive strong and sustained expression of the CD63-tdTomato fusion protein in various cell types. The lentiviral backbone ensures stable integration into the host genome, guaranteeing long-term transgene expression even in dividing cells. The CD63 component targets tdTomato (a bright red fluorescent protein) to exosomes and multivesicular bodies, while pseudotyping with the VSV-G envelope protein confers broad host tropism, enabling infection of both dividing and non-dividing cells. Compared to other viral vectors, this system offers high transduction efficiency (>90% in many cell lines) and relatively low cytotoxicity. The tdTomato reporter gene exhibits excellent photostability and brightness, allowing for sensitive detection without the need for antibody staining.

This lentiviral vector has broad applications in exosome research, cell labeling, and tracking studies. Researchers primarily utilize the natural localization of CD63 to the exosomal membrane to visualize exosome biogenesis, secretion pathways, and intercellular communication. The bright tdTomato signal allows for real-time monitoring of exosome dynamics through live-cell imaging and super-resolution microscopy. In stem cell research, its stable genomic integration makes it an excellent tool for long-term cell lineage tracing. In neuroscience applications, it can be used to label extracellular vesicles in neuronal cultures and track synaptic transmission mechanisms. Other uses include studying tumor microenvironment communication, developing exosome-based drug delivery systems, and creating standardized controls for extracellular vesicle isolation protocols.