Abstract
Progress in the understanding of the biology of perinatal tissues has contributed to the breakthrough revelation of the therapeutic effects of perinatal derivatives (PnD), namely birth-associated tissues, cells, and secreted factors. The significant knowledge acquired in the past two decades, along with the increasing interest in perinatal derivatives, fuels an urgent need for the precise identification of PnD and the establishment of updated consensus criteria policies for their characterization. The aim of this review is not to go into detail on preclinical or clinical trials, but rather we address specific issues that are relevant for the definition/characterization of perinatal cells, starting from an understanding of the development of the human placenta, its structure, and the different cell populations that can be isolated from the different perinatal tissues. We describe where the cells are located within the placenta and their cell morphology and phenotype. We also propose nomenclature for the cell populations and derivatives discussed herein. This review is a joint effort from the COST SPRINT Action (CA17116), which broadly aims at approaching consensus for different aspects of PnD research, such as providing inputs for future standards for the processing and in vitro characterization and clinical application of PnD.
Highlights
In the past 20 years, there have been significant advances in the research and understanding of the biology of the placenta and its derivatives
We propose the following umbilical cord regions and nomenclature taking into account histological characteristics and embryological development: human umbilical cord amniotic membrane, corresponding to the cord lining of other classifications, human umbilical cord Wharton’s jelly, including the sub-amniotic and intervascular regions of other classifications, and human umbilical cord vascular region, referred to cell populations present within the wall or in the perivascular region of umbilical vein and arteries contained in the umbilical cord (Figures 8A,C)
We provide a thorough description and mapping of the human placenta, including a description of the different cell populations and clarification of where they are located within perinatal tissues
Summary
In the past 20 years, there have been significant advances in the research and understanding of the biology of the placenta and its derivatives. The placenta drew attention as an interesting cell source due to its early embryological origin suggesting that cells derived from the placenta could possess unique plasticity and differentiation properties (Bailo et al, 2004). The term “derivatives” is used to refer to the cells isolated from placental tissues, and the factors that these cells release, referred to as their secretome or conditioned medium (including free nucleic acids, soluble proteins, lipids, and extracellular vesicles (such as exosomes, microvesicles and apoptotic bodies). Perinatal derivatives (PnD) include different birth-associated tissues, the cells isolated thereof, and the factors secreted by the cells [fractionated (free-floating factors, extracellular vesicles, extracellular matrix components including proteins, glycosaminoglycans, and glycoconjugates) and unfractionated conditioned medium]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
