Researchers at the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center and the Morgridge Institute for Research have engineered small-diameter vascular grafts from stem cell-derived arterial endothelial cells (AECs). Published in *Cell Reports Medicine*, the study details the creation of a universal graft using human pluripotent stem cells, potentially advancing vascular bypass surgery.
Current methods for small-diameter vascular bypass grafts often require harvesting a blood vessel from another part of the patient's body, an invasive procedure with limitations. Donor vessels face immune rejection risks. The team's "off-the-shelf" approach uses ePTFE grafts coated with dopamine and vitronectin to enhance AEC attachment.
In tests with Rhesus macaques, grafts lined with AECs expressing the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) maintained normal function for six months, outperforming MHC-deficient grafts. Host cell repopulation of the graft endothelium contributed to long-term success. These findings suggest potential for human clinical trials, offering less invasive options for vascular and cardiac surgery.