What Are the Roles of Pericytes in the Neurovascular Unit and Its Disorders?

Pericytes are fundamental components of the neurovascular unit (NVU). They interact with endothelial cells, basal lamina (basement membrane), and glial cells and have a critical role in maintenance of blood-brain barrier (BBB) stability, local control of capillary blood flow, angiogenesis, and immune responses. Pericytes may also function as stem cells with potential to differentiate to into smooth muscle, glial cells, or neurons. A wide range on neurologic disorders, including vascular disorders, neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer disease (AD), traumatic injury, and multiple sclerosis (MS) are associated with changes in pericyte structure and function affecting the NVU. Dysfunctional pericyte signaling may be a potential biomarker of NVU pathology and provides therapeutic targets for neuroprotection. The functions of pericytes and their role in neurologic disorders have been the subject of several comprehensive reviews.(1-13)