Cilengitide inhibits proliferation and differentiation of human endothelial progenitor cells in vitro

Bone marrow derived hematopoietic stem cells can function as endothelial progenitor cells. They are recruited to malignant tumors and differentiate into endothelial cells. This mechanism of neovascularization termed vasculogenesis is distinct from proliferation of pre-existing vessels. To better understand vasculogenesis we developed a cell culture model with expansion and subsequent endothelial differentiation of human CD133+ progenitor cells in vitro. αvβ3-integrins are expressed by endothelial cells and play a role in the attachment of endothelial cells to the extracellular matrix. We investigated the effect of Cilengitide, a peptide-like, high affinity inhibitor of αvβ3- and αvβ5-integrins in our in vitro system. We could show expression of αvβ3-integrin on 60 ± 9% of non-adherent endothelial progenitors and on 91 ± 7% of differentiated endothelial cells. αvβ3-integrin was absent on CD133+ hematopoietic stem cells. Cilengitide inhibited proliferation of CD133+ cells in a dose-dependent manner. The development of adherent endothelial cells from expanded CD133+ cells was reduced even stronger by Cilengitide underlining its effect on integrin mediated cell adhesion. Expression of endothelial antigens CD144 and von Willebrand factor on differentiating endothelial precursors was decreased by Cilengitide. In summary, Cilengitide inhibits proliferation and differentiation of human endothelial precursor cells underlining its anti-angiogenic effects.