Pericyte dysfunction is a key mediator of the risk of cerebral ischemia

Pericytes are critical yet understudied cells that are a central component of the neurovascular unit. They are connected to the cerebrovascular endothelium and help control vascular contractility and maintain the blood-brain barrier. Pericyte dysfunction has the potential to mediate many of the deleterious vascular consequences of ischemic stroke. Current therapeutics are designed to be administered after stroke onset and limit damage, but there are few options to target vascular risk factors pre-ischemia which likely contribute to stroke outcomes. Here, we focus on the role of pericytes in health and disease, and discuss how pericyte dysfunction can increase the risk of ischemic injury. Additionally, we note that despite the importance of pericytes in cerebrovascular disease, there are relatively few current therapeutic options that target pericyte function. Pericytes show variable responses in response to cerebrovascular injury and changes in attachment to vasculature lead to changes in vascular function. image

Automated summary

Pericytes play a critical role in the neurovascular unit but are understudied. Dysfunction of pericytes can contribute to deleterious vascular consequences of ischemic stroke. There are limited therapeutic options targeting pericyte function, and further research is needed.