Therapeutic Potential of Platelet-Derived Growth Factor B-Modified Nanoparticles in Enhancing Pericyte Activation for...

Platelet-derived growth factor subunit B (PDGF-B) signaling plays a critical role in pericyte activation and neurovascular repair following ischemic injury. Although enhancing PDGF-B signaling in pericytes represents a promising therapeutic strategy for ischemic stroke, practical approaches have not yet been developed. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic efficacy and underlying mechanisms of PDGF-B-modified heat shock protein nanoparticles (PDGF-B HSPNPs) in a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion mouse model of either sex. Mice were treated with single intravenous injection of PDGF-B HSPNPs immediately after reperfusion, and infarct volume and motor function were assessed. To investigate cellular effects, flow cytometric analysis of brain-derived single-cell suspensions was performed 3 d after treatment to quantify platelet-derived growth factor receptor β-positive pericytes. Our results demonstrate that PDGF-B HSPNPs administration significantly reduced infarct volume and improved motor function, accompanied by enhanced activation of pericytes in the peri-infarct region. These findings suggest that PDGF-B HSPNPs represent a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of ischemic stroke.