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Updated: Mar 11, 2026
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A High Output Method to Isolate Cerebral Pericytes from Mouse
Published on: January 14, 2020
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Immune Regulation by Pericytes: Modulating Innate and Adaptive Immunity
Rocío Navarro1, Marta Compte1, Luis Álvarez-Vallina2
1Molecular Immunology Unit, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda , Madrid , Spain.
Frontiers in Immunology
|November 22, 2016
Summary
Pericytes (PC), once thought only structural, are now recognized for immune roles. These cells participate in both innate and adaptive immunity, influencing immune cell behavior and potentially impacting cancer responses.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Vascular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Pericytes (PC) are mural cells traditionally recognized for their structural role in blood vessel maturation and stabilization.
- Emerging evidence highlights pericytes' significant immune functions, including responses to inflammatory stimuli and pattern recognition.
- Pericytes express functional pattern-recognition receptors, initiating innate immune responses.
Approach:
- This review synthesizes current research on pericyte immune properties.
- It examines pericyte involvement in both innate and adaptive immunity.
- The role of pericytes within the tumor microenvironment is also discussed.
Key Points:
- Pericytes secrete chemokines and overexpress adhesion molecules (ICAM-1, VCAM-1), regulating immune cell trafficking.
- Pericyte interaction with T cells, partly via PD-L1 expression, can lead to T cell anergy.
- Pericytes modulate antitumor immune responses within the tumor microenvironment.
Conclusions:
- Pericytes possess multifaceted immune functions extending beyond their structural roles.
- Their complex interactions with immune cells present potential therapeutic targets.
- Pericytes are increasingly recognized as critical players in immune regulation and disease.
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