Inflammation is closely associated with many vascular diseases. The current models employed for studying these conditions are limited to either animal models or cell sheets cultured in a petri dishes, which do not accurately replicate human physiology. Consequently, there is a growing need for human blood vessel models that can provide insights into the impact of inflammation on these diseases.
Impact
We have developed a functional three-dimensional (3D) human blood vessel model. We simulate an inflammatory environment and introduce the flow of blood cells through these vessels to replicate real-life responses. By using stem cells derived from patients, this advanced model allows the study of human vascular diseases and patient-specific complications associated with inflammation.
reNEW research
The reNEW Leiden team, led by PI Christine Mummery and associate investigator Valeria Orlova, has developed a 3D bioengineered human blood vessel derived from pluripotent human stem cells. These vessels are functional and responsive to inflammation stimuli, aligning with human physiology.
Image description
The interior of a 3D bioengineered human blood vessel lumen lined with vascular cells derived from stem cells, depicted in red, and supporting vascular cells surrounding the barrier, depicted in white.
Credits
Merve Bulut, Valeria Orlova’s lab, LUMC