Transcriptional dynamics in HUVECs and fetal endothelial progenitor cells during establishment of innate immune memory

Innate immune memory (also known as Trained immunity) is a phenomenon whereby innate immune cells such as monocytes or macrophages undergo functional reprogramming after exposure to certain microbial components, altering their responses to future exposures. Recent data show that this phenomenon occurs in endothelial cells. In this study we mapped the transcriptional changes that occur in two different types of fetal endothelial cells in response to an initial viral ligand, followed by a secondary bacterial exposure. HUVECs were isolated from umbilical veins, while ECFC were isolated from umbilical cord blood. Cells were incubated for 24 hours in media alone or with poly(I:C). After another 24 hours, the same cells were exposed to LPS to map the transcriptional response.