Table 2.

Anti-inflammatory/Immunomodulatory Activities of hEPCs vs. non-hEPCs or ECFCs

Functions	hEPCs	non-hEPCs or ECFCs
Cytokine Secretion & Paracrine effects:	Secreting various cytokines and growth factors with immunomodulatory properties in greater amount, such as IL-10, TGF-β, and VEGF¹⁷.	Secreting various angiogenic and anti-inflammatory factors, including HGF, PGE2, and Ang-1^18–20.
Endothelial Stabilization:	Contributing to endothelial integrity and function by enhancing the expression of endothelial cell adhesion molecules and inhibiting leukocyte adhesion and transmigration. Also, composing myeloid cells such as M2 macrophages for strong anti-inflammatory effect^21,22.	Possessing a remarkable ability to integrate into existing vascular networks and contributing to endothelial repair and regeneration for vascular homeostasis and anti- inflammation at the site of injury^13,22.
Induction of Regulatory T Cells (Tregs):	Promoting the expansion and activation of regulatory T cells for a crucial role in immune tolerance and suppression of excessive inflammatory responses²⁴.	Having a less effect on Treg cells expansion.