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In Vitro Culture of Epithelial Cells from Different Anatomical Regions of the Human Amniotic Membrane
Published on: November 28, 2019
Changes in culture expanded human amniotic epithelial cells: implications for potential therapeutic applications
Gita Pratama1, Vijesh Vaghjiani, Jing Yang Tee
1Centre for Reproduction & Development, Monash Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
Plos One
|November 11, 2011
Summary
Human amniotic epithelial cells (hAEC) show limited expansion in xenobiotic-free media, altering their properties. Expanded hAEC retain some differentiation and immunosuppressive capacity, suggesting distinct therapeutic uses.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Regenerative Medicine
- Immunology
Background:
- Human amniotic epithelial cells (hAEC) possess stem-like properties, exhibit low immunogenicity, and have immunosuppressive potential, making them promising for cell therapy.
- Therapeutic applications require large cell numbers, posing a challenge for expansion, particularly in xenobiotic-free media.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the feasibility of expanding hAEC in xenobiotic-free media.
- To assess the impact of xenobiotic-free expansion on hAEC differentiation capacity, immunophenotype, immunosuppressive properties, and immunomodulatory factor production.
Main Methods:
- Serial expansion of hAEC in xenobiotic-free media compared to fetal calf serum controls.
- Analysis of cell morphology, immunophenotype (epithelial and mesenchymal markers), and HLA expression.
- Assessment of differentiation potential into various cell types.
- Evaluation of immunosuppressive capacity against T cell proliferation.
- Quantification of key immunomodulatory factors (IL-10, HGF, TGF-β1, HLA-G, IL-6).
Main Results:
- Xenobiotic-free expansion was limited, with reduced cell numbers and population doubling times compared to controls.
- hAEC transitioned from epithelial to mesenchymal-stromal morphology by passage 4-5, with altered marker expression.
- Expanded hAEC differentiated into osteocytes and alveolar epithelium-like cells but not other lineages.
- Immunophenotype (HLA, co-stimulatory molecules) remained largely unaltered.
- Expanded hAEC showed reduced immunosuppressive capacity compared to primary cells at higher ratios and altered secretion of immunomodulatory factors.
Conclusions:
- Serial expansion of hAEC in xenobiotic-free media is limited and induces significant phenotypic and functional changes.
- Primary and expanded hAEC may be suitable for distinct cellular therapeutic applications due to altered properties.
