The Multiple Roles of Pericytes in Vascular Formation and Microglial Functions in the Brain

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cell Biology
• Vascular Biology

Background:

• Pericytes, mural cells covering capillaries, were traditionally viewed as structural.
• Emerging evidence reveals diverse roles for pericytes in embryonic, postnatal, and adult brain development.
• The brain's vascular network is vital for neural development, requiring pericyte involvement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the multifaceted functions of pericytes in the central nervous system (CNS).
• To highlight the critical interplay between pericytes and microglia in the CNS.
• To explore the impact of pericyte-microglia interactions on physiological and pathological conditions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on pericytes and microglia in the CNS.
• Analysis of emerging evidence on pericyte functions.
• Synthesis of research on cell-cell interactions within the neurovascular unit.

Main Results:

• Pericytes are essential for vascular formation and blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity.
• Microglia, the CNS immune cells, also contribute to vascular development.
• Direct contact between pericytes and microglia significantly influences CNS physiology and pathology.

Conclusions:

• Pericytes have dynamic roles beyond structural support in the CNS.
• The interaction between pericytes and microglia is a key factor in CNS health and disease.
• Understanding this crosstalk is crucial for advancing neurovascular research.