Human amniotic epithelial cell (hAEC)

Human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs) are progenitor cells isolated from the amniotic membrane of the human placenta, offering a non-invasive and ethically acceptable source for regenerative medicine (Miki et al., 2005). These cells are characterized by their stem cell-like properties, including the expression of pluripotency markers and the ability to differentiate into various cell types, yet they do not form tumors in vivo (Murphy et al., 2010). The therapeutic potential of hAECs is primarily attributed to their broad paracrine effects, involving the secretion of a complex mixture of cytokines, growth factors, and exosomes that exert potent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory actions (Lim et al., 2017). By interacting with host immune cells, hAECs can reduce fibrosis and promote the repair of damaged tissues in organs such as the lungs, liver, and brain. They are particularly advantageous for allogeneic transplantation because they lack MHC Class II expression, which minimizes the risk of immune rejection (Miki et al., 2005). Currently, hAECs are being evaluated in clinical trials for neonatal diseases like bronchopulmonary dysplasia and adult conditions like stroke and cirrhosis (Lim et al., 2017).

Other names

hAECAmniotic epithelial cellPlacenta-derived epithelial cellAmnion epithelial cell

hAECs exert therapeutic effects through the secretion of paracrine factors (cytokines, growth factors) and extracellular vesicles that modulate immune cell phenotypes and promote endogenous tissue regeneration (Lim et al., 2017; Murphy et al., 2010).