Recent Advances in Endothelial Progenitor Cells Toward Their Use in Clinical Translation
Description:... Since endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) were first described in 1997, there has
been significant debate surrounding their definition and roles; but also agreement
in their potential to develop as biomarkers and cytotherapies. EPCs participate in
vascular repair and postnatal angiogenesis by differentiating into endothelial cells
or by producing pro–angiogenic growth factors. Various subtypes of EPCs have
been studied, such as CD34+VEGFR2+ blood circulating cells, cultured endothelial
colony forming cells (ECFCs), and myeloid angiogenic cells (MACs). EPCs have
therapeutic potential for revascularisation and vascular repair in ischemic diseases
such as myocardial infarction and diabetic vascular complications. In this eBook,
we compile evidence to enable their translation including strategies to enhance the
number, homing ability to the injury site and function of EPCs.
Show description