Pericyte-derived fibrotic scarring is conserved across diverse central nervous system lesions

The central nervous system (CNS) in adult mammals has limited regeneration capabilities due to scar tissue formation after lesions. While this scar tissue is important for containing damage, it also prevents axons from regenerating, leading to lasting functional deficits. This study reveals that a specific subset of perivascular cells, termed type A pericytes, are the primary source of scar-forming fibroblasts in various CNS lesions. This finding was consistent across mouse models of spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, stroke, and multiple sclerosis. The discovery of type A pericyte-derived fibrosis as a conserved mechanism presents a potential therapeutic target for enhancing recovery after CNS lesions. Understanding and modulating this process could pave the way for treatments aimed at improving axonal regeneration and functional outcomes.

• 1
  The study demonstrates that type A pericytes are the primary source of scar-forming fibroblasts across various CNS lesions in mice, including spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, ischemic stroke, and multiple sclerosis.
• 2
  The extent and distribution of stromal cells are specific to the type of lesion. Fibrotic scarring is similar in human pathological tissue and corresponding mouse models.
• 3
  Type A pericytes are required for extracellular matrix deposition after CNS lesions. Experiments showed that detachment of type A pericyte-derived cells from the vascular wall is required for fibronectin and collagen I ECM protein deposition.