Pericyte in retinal vascular diseases: A multifunctional regulator and potential therapeutic target

Retinal vascular diseases (RVDs), in particular diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, and retinopathy of prematurity, are leading contributors to blindness. The pathogenesis of RVD involves vessel dilatation, leakage, and occlusion; however, the specific underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Recent findings have indicated that pericytes (PCs), as critical members of the vascular mural cells, significantly contribute to the progression of RVDs, including detachment from microvessels, alteration of contractile and secretory properties, and excessive production of the extracellular matrix. Moreover, PCs are believed to have mesenchymal stem properties and, therefore, might contribute to regenerative therapy. Here, we review novel ideas concerning PC characteristics and functions in RVDs and discuss potential therapeutic strategies based on PCs, including the targeting of pathological signals and cell‐based regenerative treatments. Retinal vascular diseases (RVDs) are leading cause of blindness. Pericytes (PCs) play an important role in regulating angiogenesis, microvessel diameter, vascular permeability as well as fibrosis, and therefore contribute to the initiation and progression of RVDs. This review mainly focuses on PC pathological characteristics and functions in RVDs, including losing adhesion to capillaries, abnormal contraction and secretome and generating fibrosis membranes, and discusses potential therapeutic strategies based on PCs. Created with BioRender.com.