human amniotic epithelial cells (Peking University People's Hospital)

Human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs) are an investigational cell therapy being developed by Peking University People's Hospital for the prevention of acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Derived from the innermost layer of the placenta (the amniotic membrane), hAECs possess stem-like properties and exert potent immunomodulatory effects. They function by suppressing the activation and proliferation of donor T cells and modulating the inflammatory environment through paracrine signaling and direct cell-to-cell contact. Notably, hAECs exhibit low immunogenicity and lack telomerase activity, which minimizes the risk of tumorigenicity. In clinical evaluation (NCT03764228), these cells are administered to regulate immune responses and prevent the donor immune system from attacking host tissues, a hallmark of aGVHD.

Other names

human amniotic epithelial cellshAECs