Abstract
Chronic rejection of transplanted organs remains the main obstacle in the long-term success of organ transplantation. Thus, there is a persistent quest for development of antichronic rejection therapies and identification of novel molecular and cellular targets. One of the potential targets is the pericytes, the mural cells of microvessels, which regulate microvascular permeability, development, and maturation by controlling endothelial cell functions and regulating tissue fibrosis and inflammatory response. In this review, we discuss the potential of targeting pericytes in the development of microvasular dysfunction and the molecular pathways involved in regulation of pericyte activities for antichronic rejection intervention.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Review
MeSH terms
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Angiogenic Proteins / metabolism
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Animals
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Cell Communication
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Cell Transdifferentiation
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Chronic Disease
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Endothelial Cells / metabolism
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Endothelial Cells / pathology
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Fibrosis
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Graft Rejection / etiology*
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Graft Rejection / metabolism
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Graft Rejection / pathology
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Graft Rejection / physiopathology
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Graft Rejection / prevention & control
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Humans
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Inflammation Mediators / metabolism
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Microcirculation*
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Microvessels / metabolism
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Microvessels / pathology
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Microvessels / physiopathology*
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Myocytes, Smooth Muscle / metabolism
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Myocytes, Smooth Muscle / pathology
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Organ Transplantation / adverse effects*
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Pericytes / metabolism*
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Pericytes / pathology
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Signal Transduction
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Treatment Outcome
Substances
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Angiogenic Proteins
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Inflammation Mediators