Human Annulus Fibrosus Cells

Description

Human Annulus Fibrosus Cells (HAFCs) are primary cells isolated from healthy human intervertebral discs. These cells exhibit a characteristic fibroblast-like morphology and grow as adherent monolayers. Following primary culture, these cells are cryopreserved. They maintain critical fibrocartilaginous functions, actively synthesizing and organizing extracellular matrix (ECM) components, including collagen type I and type II and aggrecan to preserve disc biomechanical integrity. Their dysfunction has been shown to drive intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) and chronic low back pain. These HAFCs express fibrocartilaginous markers collagen I, collagen II, and versican. As primary cells, they possess limited proliferative capacity. Repeated freezing and thawing should be avoided during culture. The cells undergo rigorous screening and isolation procedures, and are rigorously tested to ensure they are free of contamination from HIV-1, HBV, HCV, Syphilis, Mycoplasma, Fungi, Yeast, and Bacteria.