Immortalized Human Trophoblast Cells – hTERT (Sw.71)

The Immortalized Human Trophoblast Cells – hTERT (Sw.71) were derived from 7-week first trimester placenta isolated from normal pregnancy and were virally infected with hTERT. The immortalized cells retained the same morphology as their primary counterparts. It has the abilities to spontaneously fuse as occasional multi-nucleated cells clusters may form, and can secrete cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, Monocyte Chemotactic Protein-1 (MCP-1), GRO (CXCR2), GRO-α (CXCL1), Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 (ICAM-1), Osteoprotegerin (OPG), Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), TIMP-2 and VEGF). Cytokeratin 7 and vimentin markers are expressed. The population of cells is determined to be free of immune cells due to the absence of CD45 and CD68, and free of fibroblast cells due to the lack of fibroblast specific antigen. The Sw.71 cells are a valuable tool for trophoblast research.