Immortalized Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (SV40)-GFP

Immortalized human umbilical vein endothelial cells (SV40)-GFP (HUVEC/SV40-GFP) are generated by introducing the SV40 large T antigen into primary HUVECs, followed by stable expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP). The SV40 T antigen confers indefinite proliferative capacity, while GFP provides a constitutive, non-invasive fluorescent label. Together, these features yield a scalable, trackable, and reproducible endothelial model.

The cells typically retain core endothelial markers, including CD31/PECAM-1, VE-cadherin, VEGFR2, CD34, von Willebrand factor, and eNOS. Functionally, they respond to VEGF and inflammatory cytokines and support proliferation, migration, tube formation, acetylated LDL uptake, barrier assays, leukocyte adhesion, and nitric oxide signaling. GFP expression enables real-time visualization, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, accurate quantification, and live-cell tracking in co-culture and 3D systems.

Compared with primary HUVECs, HUVEC/SV40-GFP overcome limited lifespan and donor variability, providing continuous supply, high batch consistency, and cost-effective expansion for high-throughput screening, siRNA/CRISPR perturbation, and long-term studies. They are widely used in angiogenesis, vascular permeability, inflammation, atherosclerosis, thrombosis, and endothelial dysfunction research, as well as drug discovery, target validation, toxicity testing, and host–pathogen studies. GFP labeling further facilitates co-culture with tumor cells, immune cells, or fibroblasts and supports imaging-based assays.