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Review
. 2025 May 31;203(1):65.
doi: 10.1007/s00408-025-00820-8.

Pericytes in the Pulmonary Microenvironment: Guardians or Adversaries?

Yan Lin  1   2 , Jiaqi Chen  1   2 , Jiale Tan  1   2 , Zihang Yu  1   2 , Ruozheng Pi  1 , Jingrong Xiong  1   2 , Yi Ding  3   4 , Minfeng Chen  5 , Xue Bai  6   7
Affiliations
Review

Pericytes in the Pulmonary Microenvironment: Guardians or Adversaries?

Yan Lin et al. Lung. .

Abstract

Pericytes, specialized mural cells residing within the basement membrane of pulmonary microvessels, participate in various biological processes, including vascular homeostasis, immunomodulation, and tissue repair. However, these beneficial physiological roles can be detrimental under pathological conditions. Numerous pulmonary fibrosis models have demonstrated pericyte differentiation into scar-forming myofibroblasts, leading to collagen deposition and matrix remodeling, thereby contributing to tissue fibrosis. Similarly, pericytes play crucial roles in inflammatory diseases. This review aims to explore the dual roles of pericytes in the lung and the underlying mechanisms of their role conversion, providing insights for developing therapeutic strategies targeting these cells.

Keywords: Mesenchymal stem cells; Myofibroblasts; Pericytes; Pulmonary microenvironment; Transdifferentiation.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Conflict of Interest: The authors declare no competing interests. Ethical Approval: Not applicable. Consent to Participate: Not applicable. Consent for Publication: Not applicable.

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