CD34+ cell in cord blood and neonates

Abstract

CD34 surface antigen has been extensively used as a marker for hematopoietic stem cells in adult bone marrow. Cord blood contains high number of hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells. This chapter focuses on recent progresses in stem cell biology on cord blood cells. During embryonic development, expression of CD34 is tightly regulated in a spatial and temporal manner. Subpopulations of CD34+ cells in cord blood have been characterized by their functional potency. CD133 positivity and aldehyde dehydrogenase activity are well overlapped to show higher regenerative potentials in CD34+ cells. Proportion of CD34+ cells tends to be higher in cord blood from preterm baby. The higher number of circulating CD34+ cells in neonate has been found to be linked to the lower risk of prematurity-related complications. Further mechanistic studies will be required to reveal the role of circulating CD34+ cells in neonate.