Identification of CD141+ vasculogenic precursor cells from human bone marrow and their endothelial engagement in the arteriogenesis by co-transplantation with mesenchymal stem cells

• Identified a novel CD141+ vasculogenic precursor cell (VPC) population from human bone marrow with high vasculogenic capacity and distinct phenotype from known EPCs. • CD141+VPCs can be expanded ex vivo with a doubling time of ~20 h and form vascular networks even without angiogenic factors, recruiting BM-MSCs as pericyte-like cells. • Co-transplantation of CD141+VPCs and BM-MSCs at a 2:1 ratio significantly improved limb salvage, blood flow recovery, and large vessel regeneration in a mouse CLI model, outperforming single-cell therapies. • Dual transplantation led to human CD31+ intima and human α-SMA+ media in regenerated arteries, demonstrating direct endothelial and smooth muscle engagement in arteriogenesis.