Immune cells in cerebral small vessel disease: Emerging roles and potential targeting therapies

作者：Zhan Y, Wang Y, Bai M, Feng J, Wei J, Wang J · 发表于：Neural regeneration research · 年份：2026 · DOI：10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-25-00858 · 研究领域：blood–brain barrier、central nervous system、cerebral small vessel disease、immunization、immunotherapy、neural regeneration、neurodegenerative disorders、neuroinflammation、pathogenesis

Cerebral small vessel disease is an age-related condition that severely affects the quality of life of older adults; however, there are currently no definitive treatments or preventive measures. Cells from both the peripheral and central immune systems significantly impact the development of cerebral small vessel disease. By analyzing the effects of different immune cells on brain dysfunction associated with this disease, we aim to explore the various mechanisms through which autoimmune and acquired immune cells in peripheral circulation and the central nervous system contribute to disease development. Additionally, we seek to identify potential therapeutic modalities targeting these immune cells. In innate immunity, treatment targeting different monocyte loci includes four main modalities: cytokines (CSF1R, MIF, P2X7, CX3CR1, and CCL2), signaling pathways (DAP12/TREM, PI3K/AKT, and Wnt/β-catenin), tissue engineering (mitochondrial transplantation and exosomes), and traditional Chinese medicines. Treatment targeting different dendritic cell loci encompasses two modalities: signaling pathway (cGAS/STING/NF-κB) and tissue engineering (tolerogenic dendritic cells and engineered probiotics). For natural killer cells, treatment targeting different loci includes two modalities: tissue engineering (natural killer cell-based immunotherapies) and traditional Chinese medicines ( Tongxinluo capsule). In adaptive immunity, treatment targeting different T cell loci includes four modalitie...