The outer root sheath (ORS) of the hair follicle surrounds the hair fiber and inner root sheath. It is distinct from other epidermal components being continuous with the surface epidermis. The ORS consists of several layers of cells that can be identified with unique ultrastructural properties; plays a part in certain functions of the hair follicle, including acting as the sensory organ and immunologic sentinel of the skin. Immunohistochemical staining indicates that the ORS contains nestin-expressing progenitor or stem cells. Human outer root sheath cells represent a repeatedly available source of keratinocytes which can be easily and extensively expanded in culture.HHFORSC from AcceGen Research Laboratories are isolated from human hair follicle outer root sheath. HHFORSC are cryopreserved at primary culture and delivered frozen. Each vial contains >5×10^5 cells in 1 ml volume. HHFORSC are characterized by their mesenchymal cell morphology and immunofluorescent method with antibody to fibronectin and CD105. HHFORSC are negative for HIV-1, HBV, HCV, mycoplasma, bacteria, yeast and fungi. HHFORSC are guaranteed to further expand for 15 population doublings at the condition provided by AcceGen Research Laboratories.

For research use only