Ready-to-use 3D Human Hepatic Sinusoidal Endothelial Cell Spheroids

Hepatic Sinusoidal Endothelial Cells (HHSEC) are one of the major non-parenchymal cell types in the liver. These cells make up the vascular wall of the hepatic sinusoids and in their differentiated state, are uniquely characterized by the presence of open fenestrae and lack of basement membrane. Under normal physiological state, HHSEC play a key role in the maintenance of hepatic homeostasis. When stimulated by liver injury, however, HHSEC become rapidly dedifferentiated through a process termed ‘capillarization’, which contributes to the activation of other hepatic cells. The maintenance of HHSEC in 2D culture can be challenging due to the rapid dedifferentiation of the cells in vitro. To better understand the role of HHSEC physiologically, culture methods that promote the maintenance of these cells in their differentiated state is necessary.

To provide an in vitro model that better reflects HHSEC function physiologically, ScienCell has developed ready-to-use Human Hepatic Sinusoidal Endothelial Cell Spheroids (SP-HHECS) comprised of primary HHSEC. These cells are cultured in three-dimensional (3D) architecture and are embedded in their own ECM, which has been shown to alleviate the rapid dedifferentiation observed in 2D culture. These spheroids are ready for experiments within 24-48 hours of thawing, and are an excellent in vitro model for studying HHSEC function and its contribution to hepatic homeostasis.