Endothelial progenitor cells and spleen: new insights in regeneration medicine

As a promising concept for regeneration medicine, endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) therapy represents a novel strategy for a variety of diseases. Increasing evidence suggests that the spleen, a traditionally dispensable organ, acts as a major reservoir during EPC trafficking and plays an important role regarding the modulation of circulating EPC kinetics. Moreover, infusion of splenic EPC can restore endothelial function and promote neovascularization, indicating an available resource for EPC transplantation. Thus a discussion of the role of the spleen with respect to EPC may provide novel information for management of EPC therapy.