Heterogeneity of antigen expression among human umbilical cord vascular endothelial cells: identification of cell subsets by co-expression of haemopoietic antigens

Abstract

First described as an interface between blood and tissues, the endothelial cells are now known to be also involved in haemostasis, inflammatory and immune responses. Recent studies have reported that the endothelial cells represent a heterogeneous population of cells with organ-specific properties. This report describes the phenotype analyzed by flow cytometry of human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVEC). For this purpose, we use monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) recognizing B cell antigens (CD10, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 38, 40), T cell antigens (CD1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8), myeloid antlgens (CD13, 14, 15, 34, 35, 64), platelet antigens (CD9, 31, 51, 62P), NK and non-lineage cell antigens (CD16, 45, 56, 57), activation antigens (CD25, 30, 69, 71) and adhesion molecules (CD11a, CD11b, 29, 44, 54, 62E, 102, 106). Mabs recognizing MHC CII or CIII molecules are also tested. Firstly, we show that HUVEC co-express some haemopoietic antigens with different levels of expression. Secondly, this study reveals that the HUVEC population does not represent a homogeneous cell population. Different endothelial cell subsets are identified. These phenotypical differences could reflects specialization of HUVEC performing different functions. The significance of haemopoietic antigen expression on the HUVEC surface will be discussed.