PEC-A: An immortalized porcine aortic endothelial cell

Abstract: Cultured porcine aortic endothelium was transfected with sequences that encode the SV40 T antigen, resulting in an immortalized cell line that retains the differentiated properties of normal aortic endothelial cells. Specifically, these cells form cobblestone monolayers, synthesize von Willebrand factor, and endocytose acetylated LDL. These cells can be readily propagated in culture and have been passaged over a year in culture. The cells form tubular structures when grown on Matrigel. The cells in culture express class I but do not express MHC class II antigens. Both class I and class II expression can be induced by treatment with recombinant swine interferon-γ. Expression of CD44 and several other cell surface antigens have been observed. Co-culture of these cells with purified human CD4+ T cells resulted in a significant T-cell proliferative response similar to that observed for primary porcine EC. Finally, the cells are readily susceptible to transfection and express exogenous genes. These cells should be valuable for study of human anti-porcine endothelial responses.