Immortalized Human Keratocytes (HPV16 E6/E7)

Immortalized Human Keratocytes (HPV16 E6/E7) are human corneal stromal keratocyte-derived cells that have been immortalized by stable expression of the human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) E6 and E7 oncogenes. The predominant resident cells of the corneal stroma are keratocytes, which are essential for corneal transparency, organization of the extracellular matrix, and stromal homeostasis. Keratocytes in their original form govern the synthesis of collagen types I and V, keratan sulfate proteoglycans, and other stromal matrix components critical for corneal biomechanics and optical clarity.

Immortalized Human Keratocytes (HPV16 E6/E7) have important functional properties of corneal stromal cells including fibroblast-like shape, susceptibility to growth factors such as TGF-β and FGF, and the ability to rebuild extracellular matrix and engage in wound healing processes. These cells represent a stable and reproducible in vitro model for long-term experimental studies compared to primary keratocytes.

These cells are commonly employed in ophthalmic researches such as corneal wound healing, fibrosis (corneal scarring), stromal cell differentiation, keratocyte-to-myofibroblast transition, and biomaterial evaluation for corneal restoration. They are also beneficial for studies of virus-host interactions, oxidative stress responses and signaling pathways involved in maintaining corneal transparency.