Endothelial progenitor cells in cardiovascular diseases: Mechanisms and prospects for clinical application

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are among the leading causes of mortality worldwide, making their treatment and prevention a focal point of medical research. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), as a type of stem cell capable of differentiating into endothelial cells, have shown great potential in repairing vascular damage and promoting angiogenesis. This review delves into the mechanisms and prospective clinical applications of EPCs in CVDs. We begin by revisiting the origins and biological functions of EPCs, as well as their mechanisms of action in CVDs, which include repairing damaged endothelium, inhibiting thrombus formation, and immune modulation. Subsequently, we assess the potential of EPCs in the clinical treatment of CVDs, encompassing their use as biomarkers, the safety and efficacy of cell therapy, and the role of EPC-derived extracellular vesicles in CVDs treatment. Despite the significant potential of EPCs in the treatment of CVDs, they also face challenges such as standardized definitions, separation and purification, transplantation efficiency, and immune rejection. Finally, we discuss future directions, including the application of single-cell multi-omics techniques and gene therapy strategies based on EPCs, providing references and insights for further research and application of EPCs.