Human Villous Trophoblasts

Description

Human villous trophoblasts (HVT) are primary placental epithelial cells isolated from the chorionic villi of human term or first-trimester placentas, typically obtained from healthy pregnancies. The cells are cryopreserved at early passages and are not recommended for long-term expansion due to their limited proliferative capacity. These cells include cytotrophoblasts and syncytiotrophoblasts, which are essential for placental development and maternal-fetal nutrient exchange. They exhibit epithelial morphology and express key trophoblast markers such as cytokeratin-7 (CK7), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP), and syncytin-1. Functionally, HVT play pivotal roles in hormone production, immune modulation, and trophoblast invasion during early pregnancy. These characteristics position HVT as a critical model for studying placental development and gestational pathologies. Their dysfunction is associated with pregnancy-related disorders such as preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and spontaneous abortion. These cells provide a physiologically relevant model for studying placental development, maternal-fetal signaling, and the effects of hypoxia or environmental toxins on pregnancy outcomes.