Pericytes in the Development and Progression of Brain Diseases

Pericytes are microvascular cells surrounding the endothelial cells on the outside of the capillaries in the body. They are crucial cells in the formation and ensure the integrity of vascular walls in the microcirculation. The pericytes enable that by regulating blood flow, maintaining the stability of the vascular wall, and ensuring the integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). It has been confirmed that pericytes are involved in many brain diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, stroke, traumatic brain injury, epilepsy, brain tumors, brain tissue infection, and hypertension. These diseases are a huge burden on global health, and they exert significant strain on healthcare systems and society because of morbidity, mortality, and their impact on the overall quality of life of the affected population. This review study summarizes and evaluates the role of pericytes in the development and progression of many brain diseases and their role in disease progression regulation mechanisms, thereby providing new insights into the potential of pericytes in treating brain diseases.