Blood Outgrowth Endothelial Cells – A patient-specific cell culture model to study endothelial barrier properties

Introduction Angioedema are acute attacks of swelling that affect the entire body. Attacks concerning the the upper respiratory tract are of particular relevance, as they can be fatal. They are caused by disturbed endothelial barrier. Blood Outgrowth Endothelial Cells (BOEC) are endothelial cells that can be isolated from individual patients. These have not yet been characterised with regard to endothelial barrier disorders, which is necessary to establish them as a cell culture model.

Material and methods BOEC were isolated from venous blood and cultured. They were stained for endothelial markers, the morphology was analysed and tube formation assays were performed. By measuring permeability and electrical resistance, conclusions could be drawn about the barrier. Furthermore, they were specifically analysed for tight-, adherens- and gap-junction proteins using immunocytochemistry.

Results BOEC showed typical endothelial characteristics in the experiments. Thus, their "cobblestone morphology" could be recorded and they showed the ability to form pseudocapillaries. Immunocytochemistry revealed typical proteins of the cell contacts. Furthermore, a sufficient barrier function could be functionally proven. This could be modified by pharmacological modulation in an endothelial-typical way.

Conclusion BOEC can be isolated from blood and represent a suitable cell culture model that can be studied on a patient-specific basis. It is suitable for research into endothelial barrier disorders such as the study of angioedema. The aim is to establish an endothelial biobank in order to be able to investigate endothelial barrier diseases in a more structured way.

Publication History

Article published online:
12 May 2023