The myeloid cell-driven transdifferentiation of endothelial cells into pericytes promotes the restoration of BBB function and brain self-repair after stroke

Ischemic stroke, one of the leading causes of death in the world, is accompanied by the dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which aggravates neuron damage. However, the mechanisms underlying the restoration of BBB in the chronic stage after stroke remain unclear. Here, we investigated the change in the pericyte pool and its effects on BBB function and brain self-repair after stroke. We found myeloid cells can drive the transdifferentiation of endothelial cells into pericytes in a TGF-dependent manner after stroke to replenish the pericyte pool in situ, promoting the restoration of BBB function and brain self-repair.