Central nervous system neurons, glia, and vascular cells (NVU)

The central nervous system (CNS) is composed of a complex interplay between neurons, glial cells (astrocytes, microglia, oligodendrocytes), and vascular cells (endothelial cells, pericytes, and smooth muscle cells). This collective is often referred to as the neurovascular unit (NVU), which maintains the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and regulates cerebral blood flow in response to neuronal activity (Iadecola, 2017, Neuron). While not a single molecular target, the NVU is a critical focus for therapeutic intervention in neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular diseases (Zlokovic, 2011, Nature Reviews Neuroscience). Drugs targeting this system aim to preserve neuronal integrity, modulate glial-mediated inflammation, or restore vascular function (Sweeney et al., 2019, Nature Reviews Neurology). Understanding the cross-talk between these cell types is essential for developing effective CNS therapies that address the multifaceted nature of brain pathology (Muoio et al., 2014, Acta Neurochirurgica). Consequently, the NVU represents a paradigm shift from neuron-centric to system-based drug discovery in neurology.

Other names

Neurovascular unitCNS parenchymaBrain cellular environmentCNS cellular triad

Therapeutic strategies targeting this system involve modulating synaptic signaling in neurons, suppressing neuroinflammatory glial activation, and maintaining the structural integrity of the blood-brain barrier to ensure CNS homeostasis (Sweeney et al., 2019, Nature Reviews Neurology).