Nectin-2 (CD112) Is Expressed on Outgrowth Endothelial Cells and Regulates Cell Proliferation and Angiogenic Function

Outgrowth endothelial cells (OECs) are a subpopulation of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) that have the capacity for proliferation and the ability to promote angiogenesis. In this study, we identified Nectin-2 as a surface protein of OECs through unbiased quantitative proteomics analysis. Using immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry, we confirmed that Nectin-2 is highly expressed on OECs. Nectin-2 (CD112) expression was limited or lower on mononuclear cells (MNCs) and mature tube-forming endothelial cells (ECs). Blocking Nectin-2 with a neutralizing monoclonal antibody significantly increased the trans-well migration and tube forming capacity of OECs. Similarly, Nectin-2 knockdown resulted in enhanced tube formation, cell migration and proliferation with p-Erk activation. Moreover, Nectin-2 deficiency resulted in compensatory increase of other Nectin family genes including Nectin-3 and Necl-4 which promote VEGFR signaling. These results indicate that Nectin-2 is a surface marker and an important regulator of OECs, with significant implications for the isolation of OECs and blocking Nectin-2 on OECs by an antibody for angiogenic applications.