The colorectum is a major organ for both malignant and nonmalignant diseases. Cells that line the colonic mucosal surface form a major mechanical barrier that separates the host's internal milieu from the external environment. In addition to the well-established role of epithelial cells in ion transport, these cells appear to function as an integral component of the mucosal immune system. Human colon epithelial cells can process and present antigens to T cells in vitro, and can be stimulated to express HLA class II and intercellular adhesion molecules in vivo. They also respond to a broad array of cytokines with altered gene expression and growth characteristics. In addition, normal colonic epithelial cells were found to express the integrin α3, α5, α6, β1 and β4 chains. HCoEpiC from AcceGen Research Laboratories are isolated from human colonic tissue. HCoEpiC are cryopreserved at passage one and delivered frozen. Each vial contains ＆gt;5×10^5 cells in 1 ml volume. HCoEpiC are characterized by immunofluorescent method with antibodies to CK18 and CK19. HCoEpiC are negative for HIV-1, HBV, HCV, mycoplasma, bacteria, yeast and fungi. HCoEpiC are guaranteed to further culture for 15 population doublings in the conditions provided by AcceGen Research Laboratories.
