The pIEx™ vectors are designed for cloning and high-level expression of proteins in transiently transfected Spodoptera-derived insect cells. Transcription is driven by the AcNPV-derived hr5 enhancer and immediate early promoter, IE1. The pIEx-8 vector contains an N-terminal 8 aa Strep•Tag^® II coding sequence followed by an enterokinase protease cleavage site and a multiple cloning site, with the option to include a C-terminal His•Tag^® coding sequence with 10 histidines. pIEx-8 is also available as an Ek/LIC vector. The Ek/LIC vector is prepared for rapid directional cloning of PCR-amplified DNA. Using specifically designed primers for amplification, inserts can be efficiently cloned without the need for restriction enzyme digestion or ligation.