Endothelial Progenitor Cell Identification, Classification and Nomenclature: A Review

Abstract

Endothelial integrity depends on a balance between the extent of endothelial cell injury and the capacity for endogenous repair. An imbalance is thought to be a contributory factor for development of atherosclerosis. In healthy individuals mature neighboring endothelial cells may replicate and therefore replace damaged cells. This mechanism has limited potential and therefore an alternative mechanism is also required. One that is proposed mechanism is of undifferentiated cells migrating to sites of vascular injury and then differentiate into mature endothelial cells. These cells are also thought to perpetuate the mechanism by secreting pro-angiogenic cytokines. However, there currently remains a lack of consensus on phenotypic and functional definition of endothelial precursor cells. This review summarizes the current controversies surround the identification, nomenclature and classification of EPCs