Nestin, a maker for multilineage potential of cells from human primary and restenotic coronary artery plaques

Nestin is a type of intermediate filament abundantly expressed in neuroepithelial stem cells or mesenchymal stem cells. We assessed directional coronary atherectomy specimens from primary and restenotic lesions for expression of nestin. Immunohistochemistry showed predominant expression of nestin in stellate smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Given that nestin has been proposed to be a marker for putative stem cells, our results suggest that human coronary plaques contain cells that have the potential for multiple lineages. Although the role of nestin remains unclear, nestin-positive stellate SMCs are more frequently seen in patients with unstable angina.