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Immune Functions and Properties of Resident Cells in the Heart and Cardiovascular System: Pericytes

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The Immunology of Cardiovascular Homeostasis and Pathology

Part of the book series: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology ((AEMB,volume 1003))

Abstract

This chapter provides an introduction to pericyte physiology. Pericytes are smooth muscle-like cells that wrap around vessels and arterioles. Here, we discuss their structure, function, contractility and interaction with other cells including immune cells and finally their role in pathological processes. Additionally, we discuss recent studies describing pericyte populations in the heart and their potential as targets for future cardiac therapeutic interventions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Heart Science, NHLI, Imperial College London, London, UK

    Teresa Kennedy-Lydon

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  1. Teresa Kennedy-Lydon
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Correspondence to Teresa Kennedy-Lydon .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Hammersmith Campus, Imperial College London National Heart and Lung Institute, London, United Kingdom

    Susanne Sattler

  2. Hammersmith Campus, Imperial College London National Heart and Lung Institute, London, United Kingdom

    Teresa Kennedy-Lydon

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Kennedy-Lydon, T. (2017). Immune Functions and Properties of Resident Cells in the Heart and Cardiovascular System: Pericytes. In: Sattler, S., Kennedy-Lydon, T. (eds) The Immunology of Cardiovascular Homeostasis and Pathology. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, vol 1003. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57613-8_5

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