Pericytes: blood-brain barrier safeguards against neurodegeneration?
The role of pericytes in the control of blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity has remained enigmatic. In this issue, Bell et al. and two concurrent studies highlight that pericyte loss causes BBB breakdown and hypoperfusion. Remarkably, these vascular changes precede neurodegeneration and cognitive defects in old age.
Vesalius Research Center, KU Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
Annelies
A
Quaegebeur
Inmaculada
I
Segura
Peter
P
Carmeliet