Dynamics and heterogeneity of the neurovascular unit in ischemic stroke

Trends in Pharmacological Sciences 2026 Open access

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Authors: Peng Teng, Ying-Ying Wang, Chen-Yun Ding, Jia-Jie Huang, Rui Nie, Ning Liu, Yu-cai Hong, Shu-Guang Yang, Feng-Quan Zhou
DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2026.01.005
Cited by: 4
References: 106

Abstract

The neurovascular unit (NVU) is a multicellular system functioning to maintain healthy brain homeostasis and regulate the exchange of essential elements between the blood and the brain. Recent studies have shown that, in response to ischemic stroke (IS), the NVU undergoes dynamic structural remodeling and metabolic dysfunction, revealing new features of IS pathogenesis. Recent breakthroughs in single-cell multiomics provide emerging evidence regarding the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of NVU responses to IS. To date, clinical treatments for IS-induced brain injury remain very limited. These new studies have advanced our knowledge of the dynamic cellular and molecular changes of the NVU after IS, paving the way for new therapeutic strategies.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Barrier Structure and Function Studies Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration Mechanisms Neurogenesis and neuroplasticity mechanisms

Publication details

Journal / source
Trends in Pharmacological Sciences
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Volume
47
Issue
4
Pages
423–438
Publication date
5 March 2026
Language
EN