Cardiac Valve Interstitial Cells (CVIC)

Cardiac valve interstitial cells (VICs) are a specialized cell type found within the heart valves, which play a crucial role in maintaining the structure, function, and integrity of these vital cardiac structures. Heart valves are essential for regulating blood flow within the heart by allowing unidirectional flow and preventing backflow of blood. VICs are responsible for the maintenance, remodeling, and repair of heart valves throughout life.

In response to various mechanical, biochemical, or pathological stimuli, VICs can become activated and undergo phenotypic changes. Activated VICs are involved in valve remodeling, repair, and pathological processes such as fibrosis, calcification, and inflammation. For example, during valve disease or injury, VICs can proliferate, produce ECM proteins, and undergo differentiation into myofibroblasts, contributing to tissue repair and remodeling.