The guardian of intracranial vessels: Why the pericyte?

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Vascular Biology
• Pathology

Background:

• Intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS) is a major cause of ischemic stroke (IS), particularly in East Asian populations.
• The mechanisms behind ICAS prevalence variations and plaque stabilization strategies are not fully understood.
• Plaque rupture, bleeding, and thrombosis are key in intracranial artery obstruction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore novel therapeutic strategies targeting pericyte function in vulnerable intracranial atherosclerotic plaques.
• To review the role of pericytes in regulating Vasa Vasorum and preventing intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH).
• To discuss pericyte applications in central nervous system (CNS) diseases and regenerative medicine.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on ICAS pathogenesis and pericyte biology.
• Analysis of pericyte's role in vascular integrity and hemorrhage control.
• Exploration of therapeutic modulation of pericytes for plaque stabilization.

Main Results:

• Pericytes are critical regulators of Vasa Vasorum and are implicated in preventing intraplaque hemorrhage.
• Modulating pericyte function presents a promising avenue for targeting vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques.
• Pericytes hold potential for treating CNS diseases and in tissue engineering regeneration.

Conclusions:

• Targeting pericyte biological function offers innovative therapeutic strategies for vulnerable intracranial atherosclerotic plaques.
• Pericytes show promise for future applications in regenerative medicine for CNS diseases.
• Further research into pericyte modulation is crucial for advancing ICAS treatment and stroke prevention.