SDF-1α/CXCR4 axis is instrumental in neointimal hyperplasia and recruitment of smooth muscle progenitor cells

Recent evidence infers a contribution of smooth muscle cell (SMC) progenitors and stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1 alpha to neointima formation after arterial injury. Inhibition of plaque area and SMC content in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice repopulated with LacZ(+) or CXCR4(-/-) BM or lentiviral transfer of an antagonist reveals a crucial involvement of local SDF-1 alpha and its receptor CXCR4 in neointimal hyperplasia via recruitment of BM-derived SMC progenitors. After arterial injury, SDF-1 alpha expression in medial SMCs is preceded by apoptosis and inhibited by blocking caspase-dependent apoptosis. SDF-1 alpha binds to platelets at the site of injury, triggers CXCR4- and P-selectin-dependent arrest of progenitor cells on injured arteries or matrix-adherent platelets, preferentially mobilizes and recruits c-kit(-)/platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR)-beta(+)/lineage(-)/sca-1(+) progenitors for neointimal SMCs without being required for their differentiation. Hence, the SDF-1 alpha/CXCR4 axis is pivotal for vascular remodeling by recruiting a subset of SMC progenitors in response to apoptosis and in concert with platelets, epitomizing its importance for tissue repair and identifying a prime target to limit lesion development.