Fetal endothelial progenitors and mesenchymal stem cells from the human term placenta

The human term placenta collected after birth is a waste tissue that harbors large quantities of fetal and maternal stem cells. So far, separation between fetal and maternal cells has proven tedious and unreliable. We here review recent findings regarding the prospective isolation of large quantities of fetal endothelial progenitors as well as pure preparations of fetal or maternal mesenchymal stromal cells from the same placenta. This is conducted by using a unique cell sorting strategy that does not require any precise dissection of the placenta. Furthermore, we also review the cell identification of endothelial progenitors and mesenchymal stem cells and the establishment of better guidelines in disseminating populations and their functional capacity. Overall, this chapter will highlight the importance of the clinical development of placental stem cells and their potential use as a clinical cell therapy in the future.