Targeting Pericytes to Improve Wound Healing Outcomes

Purpose of Review Recently, pericytes, a mesenchymal stem-like cell population, has been of great interest due to its plasticity and for its role in different pathologies. This review will focus on the contributions of pericytes specifically to wound healing and the potential to manipulate this specific cell population for better healing outcome. Recent Findings Several studies point towards the capability of pericytes to regulate inflammation, angiogenesis and the remodeling phase of healing. Interestingly, findings also show that the source from which pericytes are isolated has differential and varied effects during the process of healing. Pericytes have proven to be beneficial in healing both acute and chronic wounds. Summary Pericytes have both mesenchymal stem cell-like property and its own signature in regulating signaling cascades and molecules making it a prime candidate for cellular therapy. Several other functions of pericytes are still being explored to further understand its potential for use in therapeutic applications.