Normal Human Epidermal Keratinocytes (NHEK) are available from single or from pooled donors isolated from the epidermis of juvenile foreskin or adult skin from different locations like the face, the breasts, the abdomen, and the thighs. They are the major cell type in the epidermis, making up about 90% of the cells.
(Normal Human Dermal Fibroblasts (NHDF) and Normal Human Epidermal Melanocytes (NHEM) cultured in M2 medium from the same donor are available on request.)
Epidermal keratinocytes originate in the stratum basale and move up through the layers of the epidermis. During this movement, they undergo gradual differentiation and morphology changes until they reach the stratum corneum, where they form a layer of nucleus-free, flat, and highly keratinized squamous cells. This layer forms an effective barrier to the entry of infectious agents into the body and minimizes moisture loss.
Keratinocytes are also able to produce a variety of cytokines, growth factors, interleukins and complement factors. Therefore keratinocytes are important for wound healing, inflammation, and immune response.
