Neonatal Epidermal Keratinocytes (NEK)

A keratinocyte is the predominant cell type in the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, constituting 90% of the cells found there.Those keratinocytes found in the basal layer of the skin are sometimes referred to as "basal cells" or "basal keratinocytes". The epidermal layer of the skin provides an essential function as a protective barrier against insults from the external environment. The predominant cell type in the epidermis is keratinocytes and they are located in the stratified squamous epithelia. 

The primary function of keratinocytes is the formation of a barrier against environmental damage by pathogenic bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses, heat, UV radiation and water loss. Once pathogens start to invade the upper layers of the epidermis, keratinocytes can react by producing proinflammatory mediators, particularly chemokines such as CXCL10 and CCL2 which attract leukocytes to the site of pathogen invasion. Neonatal epidermal keratinocytes (NEK) are isolated from neonatal skin.